USA & Australia with a criminal record.

CCFC_80

I heard of a chap who was asked by an Australian immigration officer if he had any criminal convictions.

His reply was "I didn't know they were still required "

mrmichaelf

I think the question is if they have access to our criminal records. Some say they do, some say not. I may apply for the visa, I haven't decided yet.

nico26

I must watch to much tv. On Border security which is Aussie customs and immigration they are very very strict. People have got caught out lying about criminal convictions and just landed in more hot water. Better being safe than sorry

mrmichaelf

I'm more concerned about USA, as i think Australia wont be happening now anyway.
Im pretty sure they cannot access our criminal record database.

Stephb1986_2

You will need to get a copy of his criminal record you get a special certificate from the police you also need to ring the US embassy in London you can fill the forms in online you then send it to them then they will email you to make an appointment with them for a interview.

Then at the interview they will either:

1, decide yes or no or
2, let the DHS decide which takes 8 weeks

I know this as I have just gone through it with my OH only the visa came through 3 days late so had re book our trip in May instead.

Steph xx

mrmichaelf

Is that necessary, as it is unlikely they will know at the other end if you have answered no on a visa waiver to having convictions?

ferf1223

If you're there without a visa they will know you answered 'no' to having convictions on the ESTA application as if you answered 'yes' you would have been denied an ESTA and had to get a visa...the green I-94 card you fill out on the plane also has the question if I remember correctly.

Though I think the question is arrests, not convictions.

http://amsterdam.usconsulate.gov/uploads/images/n27a8u5IJKZnyI3zjJJC0Q/I-94_back.jpg

hothothot_3

Even if you have only been arrested for a crime of moral turpitude (they have a list of definitions) you must declare this and apply for a VISA instead of the VISA waiver. I think many people take the risk they wont be caught - and they manage it, however it is a big risk to try and risk wasting all the money on flights by being sent home and having a restriction placed that you are banned from ever returning.

jackieblack

dacouch wrote: »

I thought having a conviction was a neccessity before they allow you into Australia

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

mrmichaelf

hothothot wrote: »

Even if you have only been arrested for a crime of moral turpitude (they have a list of definitions) you must declare this and apply for a VISA instead of the VISA waiver. I think many people take the risk they wont be caught - and they manage it, however it is a big risk to try and risk wasting all the money on flights by being sent home and having a restriction placed that you are banned from ever returning.

It is only a risk if they can check your criminal records, which after talking to someone I know who works for customs, they dont have access to the information, which means they can only know about it if you tell them.