Travelling to the US... Visa?

babylonfree

Hi, i'm going to the US on the 3rd November. Do we have to register online yet, or can you still do it the old way (fill in on the plane).

Thanks and sorry if it's been asked a million times before.

Engadine

It's not compulsary until January to register online prior to travel to the states. However you can do it on a voluntary basis at the moment. More info on the American Embassy site http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html

Bagpuss1973

Sorry to pinch your thread...but

am getting married next year. Will be re-newing my passport in my married name as mine expired this year and I don't want to travel prior to the wedding.

Have booked flights in married name...just to check, can we complete the visa in advance online in my married name?

Thanks

Bagpussx

Marty_J

babylonfree wrote: »

Hi, i'm going to the US on the 3rd November. Do we have to register online yet, or can you still do it the old way (fill in on the plane).

Thanks and sorry if it's been asked a million times before.

Yes, you can voluntarily register now and registration is good for 2 years.

While it's voluntary, I think you will still have to fill out the I-94W on the plane (the little green form).

Bagpuss1973 wrote: »

Sorry to pinch your thread...but

am getting married next year. Will be re-newing my passport in my married name as mine expired this year and I don't want to travel prior to the wedding.

Have booked flights in married name...just to check, can we complete the visa in advance online in my married name?

Thanks

Bagpussx

I don't see what would be wrong with doing that. It'll ask you for your maiden name anyway, so they'll still be able to check if you're a serial killer. Or you could just wait until you get married to complete it. I think you can update your details anyway once you have registered.

And you're not completing a visa, you're completing a visa waiver form. Two very different things.

jonathon

sorry to hijack the thread but i wondered if any one with a criminal record has used the online VWP ?

Marty_J

They don't have any extra information if that's what you mean.

As for whether or not someone with a conviction can legally use the VWP, that depends on what the conviction is for.

jackieblack

Marty_J wrote: »

They don't have any extra information if that's what you mean.

As for whether or not someone with a conviction can legally use the VWP, that depends on what the conviction is for.

My understanding is that if you have been arrested, even if it did not result in a conviction, you are not eligible for the VWP and have to apply to the US embassy for a visa.

http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/niv/vwp.html

dzug1

jackieblack wrote: »

My understanding is that if you have been arrested, even if it did not result in a conviction, you are not eligible for the VWP and have to apply to the US embassy for a visa.

http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/niv/vwp.html

That in terms of strict US law is disinformation from the London Embassy.

They do it because (probably correctly) they do not trust the British public to understand the complications of whether or not they are eligible for a visa waiver.

So they say ask us. We aren't going to do it for nothing - so the only way we will give the information is if you apply for a visa. BTW that will be $100 or whatever it is now.

Possible outcomes:

you were eligible for a visa waiver all along. Well you've paid your dosh, you can't have it back so here's a visa

you weren't eligible but they'll ignore/gloss over/bend the rules and give you a visa

they will refuse you a visa

Marty_J

Exactly. You can't use the VWP if you have been arrested or convicted for an offence involving moral turpitude. On the I-94W, you'll be asked "Have you ever been arrested or convicted for an offence or crime involving moral turpitude or a violation related to a controlled substance; or been arrested or convicted for two or more offences for which the aggregate sentence to confinement was five years seeking entry to engage in criminal or immoral activities?".

If you can truthfully answer no to that, then you can enter under the VWP (as long as you can also answer no to the other questions on there). The US Embassy will tell you if you're in any doubt as to your suitability to enter under the VWP, you should apply for a visa, which is reasonable enough as it goes.

But to say you can't use it if you have been arrested or convicted for any offence is incorrect, and there's nothing in US law supporting such an assertion.

It's not the embassy who decide whether or not you can enter the US, it is the immigration official at your point of entry.