Has Anyone Applied For A Us Visa Because They Have Been Arrested In The Past?

The_Lambton_Worm

Finished with my woman ’cause she couldn’t help me with my mind
People think I’m insane because I am browning all the time
All day long I think of things but nothing seems to satisfy
Think I’ll lose my mind if I don’t find something to pacify

Can you help me thought you were my friend
Whoah yeah

I need someone to show me the things in life that I can’t find
I can’t see the things that make true happiness, I must be blind

Make a joke and I will sigh and you will laugh and I will cry
Happiness I cannot feel and love to me is so unreal

And so as you hear these words telling you now of my state
I tell you to enjoy life I wish I could but it’s too late

kaznelson

There are lots of posts on the Visa system here:

http://www.disboards.com/index.php?. Just search Visa

It seems like under the Data Protection Act any information regarding your Criminal Record cannot and is not passed on the USA. Unless of course you are wanted by Interpol? (spelling)

The system is understandable after 9/11 but the USA are losing millions of pounds per year by introducing this. People are being put off from visiting USA by having to pay fees and then having to travel to London for an interview with the American Embassy. How many middle-aged (cough!!) men are being turned away for having a scrap 20 years ago???

ali_B_9

If anyone is interested,i have just been to the embassy as i have a crimminal conviction.Altough there was a long wait it was not that bad i was granted a 10 year visa so it was well worth it

bj-sailaway

Did they grant you the visa there and then?

ali_B_9

yes they told me there and then gave me a slip of paper to say my visa had been granted.You then have to pay £9.50 to get your passport and visa sms delivered back to you.they say it takes 5 days to process then you will get it the next working day.

amberminder

My friends boyfriend visited the US in Jan 2005. Posted about it on these boards but the thread got lost. He had lots of convictions but still got in. They just asked a few general questions and took his finger prints. Some of the convictions he had were after 9/11 so I am quite certain they don't share our criminal records.

Robert5988

amberminder wrote:

My friends boyfriend visited the US in Jan 2005. Posted about it on these boards but the thread got lost. He had lots of convictions but still got in. They just asked a few general questions and took his finger prints. Some of the convictions he had were after 9/11 so I am quite certain they don't share our criminal records.

Why does the single example of your friend's boyfriend make you "quite certain" of USA immigration procedures?

There certainly is a reciprocal arrangement where the USA and UK can request information from each other. However it is pretty obvious that they will not routinely check up on the many thousands who enter each day. Thus I think there is little doubt that the chances of getting 'caught' are not high - at present. As technology advances, who is to say that a more automated checking procedure will not be used.

Someone who has "lots of convictions" is presumably used to taking risks and it paid off - this time - and with his current record would probably not have got a Visa had he applied.

Murtle

blimey having read all these posts, I'm sorry I can't help more, I have never had any convictions and so could use the visa waiver = but I was nervous as hell entering....so I would agree with the "if you know you MAY need one, and have the time, then get one" It's not fun being questioned by security at airports, I have been there, for no apparent reason - but I was the last one out of the airport from my flight...carriage had been turned off and suitcase was sitting lonely on it's own.....

I did read about some saying about Grandparents taking grandkids with them and letters. Years ago when I was classed as a minor 16!!! My Mum took me on holiday to visit Dad and they weren't keen on letting us out of the country as they were concerned Mum was stealing us from Dad....

ali_B_9

amberminder wrote:

My friends boyfriend visited the US in Jan 2005. Posted about it on these boards but the thread got lost. He had lots of convictions but still got in. They just asked a few general questions and took his finger prints. Some of the convictions he had were after 9/11 so I am quite certain they don't share our criminal records.

I understand its a risk you take but why bother if you no you have done wrong and have got the time to get a visa.I was at the embassy for 4 hours on monday the 11/4/05 it was not that bad they were very nice to me my interview only lasted 5 minutes after i had given in all the information that was required.I was told there and then that my visa had been granted and it arrived back to me on wednesday 13/04/05.so as i said before it was well worth it

bj-sailaway

Thanks AliB, did you have to wait for a summary of convictions from the police? If so, how long did it take? Mine hasn't come back yet (2 weeks). Did you have to wait long to get your appointment at the embassy?