New york criminal record

alwyn2009

Hi All,

I'm planning on travelling to New York in October with my girl friend and I am worried about getting in because I've got a criminal record for assault from about 4 years ago.
I've been told by numerous people who have been with criminal records, that if you don't declare anything on the form, then you get in no problem! Obviously I'm worried, so if anyone has got any advice or been to America, it would be very much appreciated!

Stephb1986_2

Well I was due to go to New York on the 5th of December but the reason I didn't end up going was because my partner has a criminal record for possession of cannabis we went to the US Embassy in London to sort a visa out he had the interview and they couldn't decide there and then and refered it to DHS which takes 8 weeks so we only got the reply with the visa 3 days late on the 8th instead of when we were supposed to go on the 5th.

It's up to you if you take the risk but I wouldn't recommend it because if they do have a look at your record they will turn you and your partner straight round.

Steph xx

alwyn2009

Thanks Steph

I know it's a risk, but surely they can't be checking everyones record! I know atleast 5 people who just said no on their ESTA form and got in no problem. Can't be chewed with going to London for a visa! People have told me that the only people who get turned back are the honest ones lol.
Cheers x

KonkyWonky

If they realise you have provided false information deliberately then you will be turned straight around. They are pretty strict about letting foreign nationals in, a fairly high percentage of them are taken for interview and further scrutinised. Not a risk I would choose to take given the price of the flights.

They can't check everybodies record as you say, but they don't have to check everyones, only yours.....

hothothot_3

Stephb1986 wrote: »

Well I was due to go to New York on the 5th of December but the reason I didn't end up going was because my partner has a criminal record for possession of cannabis we went to the US Embassy in London to sort a visa out he had the interview and they couldn't decide there and then and refered it to DHS which takes 8 weeks so we only got the reply with the visa 3 days late on the 8th instead of when we were supposed to go on the 5th.

It's up to you if you take the risk but I wouldn't recommend it because if they do have a look at your record they will turn you and your partner straight round.

Steph xx

Yes, and also ban you for I think 5 years from trying again (sometimes ban people indefinatly)

hothothot_3

alwyn2009 wrote: »

Thanks Steph

I know it's a risk, but surely they can't be checking everyones record! I know atleast 5 people who just said no on their ESTA form and got in no problem. Can't be chewed with going to London for a visa! People have told me that the only people who get turned back are the honest ones lol.
Cheers x

So much for honesty is the best policy eh.

Stephb1986_2

I thought it was a ban forever if they find out thats why we have been honest about it, the visa did come but 3 days late lucky I've been able to re schedual it for May so fingers crossed it all goes ok

Steph xx

dzug1

Assault is not normally a crime involving moral turpitude, so you can quite safely and honestly answer the questions with a NO and get in without a visa.

alwyn2009

Yeh good look Steph! Let me know how you get on!
Is that right about the assault? I really want to go to New York, always have! I think I will take the risk when the time comes. I know too many people who just got straight through.

dzug1

A read of this may be helpful with regard to assault:

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


Don't ask me what a deadly weapon is

travellady

they are fairly strict and if for any reason they do spot checks then you will be shipped back out! I know of a guy an ex colleague booked didn't declair it and when he got there they refused him entry!

My advice would be Yes its a pain to travel to london to get a visa BUT if you dont and you travel to USA and get denied then how much of a pain would that be??!!