VISA Query

[merlin307]

hi

my friends mother has just been told that she needs to apply for a visa from the us embassy, so as you can imagine she is panicking now. Can anyone help with the process for applying and how complicated this is (I have checked the us embassy website and it looks quite simple to me)

Does anyone have any experience of the process who can help with any useful advice etc?

Thanks guys

M

 

[jen_uk]

My dh has to get a visa every year as he isn't British and it is fairly straight forward, just a bit of a pain. Fill in the forms online, check them very carefully, pay for the visa and print off the barcode for the application and the receipt, you must take these to the interview or they won't see you.

At the interview don't arrive more than half an hour early as they won't let you in, noone else can go in with the person either. Take evidence to show you have a life in the UK such as bank statements, letter from job etc. Expect to be there anywhere between 3-5 hours, you can't take a big bag in with you becuase of security but you can take a magazine and a drink etc. If you get the visa they will keep your passport and then post it special delivery to you, you have to pay for this at the time, you get the passport a couple of days later.

If you don't mind me asking, why does she need the visa? Some people think they need one and they don't.

 

[Beep]

The only problem we had was trying to find somewhere that did the US sized passport photos. That was more down to mis-information than anything.

My OH had an appointment at the embassy at 9am, he was out by about 12ish and the passport and visa was delivered at 8.30 the following morning by private courier. I couldn't believe it!

It was a painless procedure, if a bit time consuming and expensive with travel costs etc, but not bad. A lot of it was sitting and waiting - the interview wasn't long at all.

As in the previous post, they won't let you in more than about half an hour before your appointment time. We got there about that time before the appointment and there were loads of people already waiting outside. There was a US Embassy rep going down the line asking what time people's appointments were and re-organising the queue.

Interestingly he was told by US Immigration in Orlando that he did not need a visa and not to renew it when it was due. Not sure if we will take the chance though - wouldn't want him to get turned back to the UK. Notice I said 'him' and not 'us'!

 

[merlin307]

My dh has to get a visa every year as he isn't British and it is fairly straight forward, just a bit of a pain. Fill in the forms online, check them very carefully, pay for the visa and print off the barcode for the application and the receipt, you must take these to the interview or they won't see you.

At the interview don't arrive more than half an hour early as they won't let you in, noone else can go in with the person either. Take evidence to show you have a life in the UK such as bank statements, letter from job etc. Expect to be there anywhere between 3-5 hours, you can't take a big bag in with you becuase of security but you can take a magazine and a drink etc. If you get the visa they will keep your passport and then post it special delivery to you, you have to pay for this at the time, you get the passport a couple of days later.

If you don't mind me asking, why does she need the visa? Some people think they need one and they don't.

She has checked and because she was retailler who was charged with selling alcohol to an underage person and fined, so its listed as a conviction which means she needs a visa

 

[Snowy-girls]

Sorry can't help but wanted to say Hi+how are you both? as i have'nt seen you around for a bit.x.

 

[jen_uk]

She has checked and because she was retailler who was charged with selling alcohol to an underage person and fined, so its listed as a conviction which means she needs a visa

That is such a minor offence personally I would still travel on the visa waiver. On the VW it says crimes against moral something or other which applies to serious offences such as drug or violent related crimes, something like that they are not going to care about.

 

[Funky_dino]

it is crimes of moral turpitude

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moral_turpitude

that might give some insight into what comes under that.

Also anyone else that has been to the embassy, like myself will tell you that it is kind of like waiting in argos of all places hehe.

on a serious not if you want to ask any questions about it feel free to message me or just ask here.

 

[Claire L]

I am guessing that soon the US authorities may have access to UK databases for certain aspects of details kept of persons convicted in the UK of crimes.

All I can say is better to apply than go and get a lifetime ban. I know only up until a few years ago VA could not restock with alcohol on US soil due to a caution Richard Branson got for possessing cannabis here years ago!

Claire

 

[Lizzybear]

Moral turpitude doesn't include all serious offenses and some of the offenses that are classed as MT may not necessarily be serious, since obviously there are varying degrees of things like fraud. Also, the rehabilitation of offenders act and cautions (amongst other things) are not considered in the US. I know many people not eligible to enter on VWP do travel without a visa but personally if I was in a situation where I needed one I wouldn't risk it. Aside from the chance of getting caught you could also seriously jeopardise your chance of obtaining a US visa in the future.

 

[merlin307]

hiya babe, we are good, just starting to plan for this years extravaganza in april....and thinking about xmas this year tooo.......

 

[Snowy-girls]

hiya babe, we are good, just starting to plan for this years extravaganza in april....and thinking about xmas this year tooo.......

Hi ya hun,we go April1st may bump into you,when you off? .x.

 

[merlin307]

Hi ya hun,we go April1st may bump into you,when you off? .x.

at the moment we are looking at the 16th april for 3 weeks..........but all depending on work etc.....