You must apply for an ESTA online to enter the USA after 12 Jan 2009

ferf1223

BigSaver wrote: »

Not change US law but UK law, something minor as theft/shoplifting to be erased from the Police national computer after 5 years, depending on the circumstance.

Technically it wouldn't matter anyway as the question isn't whether you have any convictions on your record currently as previously explained.

BigSaver_2

dinkydog wrote: »

Under the new Police Certificates convictions would not show after they become spent, so "no live trace" would be shown on the certificate. Then its down to you to actually get the MOC from the court (currently £60) to show what the offense was that has been removed.

Currently, if the conviction IS shown on the Police Certificates, you seemingly don't need a MOC, saving you £60.

My friend who has a reprimand on his record, wouldn't need MOC as it isn't a conviction, right?

Thank you

BigSaver_2

dinkydog wrote: »

Correct, as the memorandum of conviction is only for those who have been convicted in magistrates court.

What age were they at the time of the offense. If they were less than 18 (and it was an only offense) then its plain sailing.

Yes under 18 and yes it was their only offence. What do you mean by plain sailing...all straight forward for the ACPO & US embassy to process?

Please have a look at http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1868083 And answer many of the questions.

Thank you

BigSaver_2

dinkydog wrote: »

Bssically he did NOT need a visa. There is something called the juvenile exception. Shoplifting is usually a Crime Involving Moral Turpitude

Thank you. He has to apply for visa according to FCO website? cant he just apply for ESTA?

BigSaver_2

dinkydog wrote: »

Don't believe websites, especially government run ones.

IMO although initially he would have been capable of self certifying this, NOW, due to the fact hes already been denied esta, the best way would be to go ahead with obtaining the visa. He'll already be flagged for attention if he arrives without doing so, so it would be a definate trip to secondary.

If it were me I would be happy to go through the process of convincing the POI officer I was eligible for the VWP in this case, but thats just me and I would have self certified in the first place and been able to prove the point if asked.

IMO? POI?

Before he can apply for visa , he needs to get an Police certificate, right?

Thank you

BigSaver_2

Anyone get an appointment to get a visa recently? what is the wait time to get an appointment?

'If you fall into the above category, you will be required to email the Embassy the documents which are particular to your situation, ie a police certificate from the Association of Chief Police Officers, or a copy of the form I-877, or the removal proceedings. The Embassy will review the information, make a decision on the type of appointment required and email you their decision. ' What email address do you send the above info to?

Thank you

ferf1223

BigSaver wrote: »

Anyone get an appointment to get a visa recently? what is the wait time to get an appointment?

'If you fall into the above category, you will be required to email the Embassy the documents which are particular to your situation, ie a police certificate from the Association of Chief Police Officers, or a copy of the form I-877, or the removal proceedings. The Embassy will review the information, make a decision on the type of appointment required and email you their decision. ' What email address do you send the above info to?

Thank you

The next paragraph says:

To find out more about this process, you are required to call the Operator Assisted Information Service

And the comment below the info says:

You are required to call the Operator Assisted Information Service on 09042 450 100 (calls cost 1.20/min) for instructions on how to submit your application for review. They will send you an email and fee receipt for the MRV application fee which you are required to pay during the call. That email contains a link to our website which provides detailed information on the documents you are required to send and the email address to which they must be sent. Please review that information carefully. If you fail to follow the instructions, you will exeprience considerable delays in the processing of your application.

juicyjenny

You seem very knowlegable about ESTA - have you come accross ESTAUK site charging $45 for processing the Visa Waivers? They look genuine but I'm a little concerned about having input my details.....especialy as they are the first site found by google?

pennylane99

juicyjenny wrote: »

You seem very knowlegable about ESTA - have you come accross ESTAUK site charging $45 for processing the Visa Waivers? They look genuine but I'm a little concerned about having input my details.....especialy as they are the first site found by google?

They are the first site on Google because its a sponsored link, and charging you for something that is free.

The first non-sponsored link, ie not highlighted in pink, is the official site, and it does say "The official US government website"

juicyjenny

Yeah I can see that now in hindsite (great thing!) ....my querie is though is it genuine and how do I get it checked out....I seem to be drawing a blank with the calls I've made.