visa's for new york if got criminal record???

tiffany925_2

HI
booked a trip to new york in nov/dec but am a bit concerned as I got a record in 94 or 95 (i was 18 and skint and changed a cheque..stupid I know)-I didnt go to prison or anything but I did go to court .. my partner doesnt know about it as it was before we met and I wanted to leave it in the past --but we both really wanted to go to new york for years and this has always been in the back of my head ...anyway we have now booked but I am dreading to see if they will let me in or not as things have changed since 9/11 .. I know I will only find out by chancing it but can anyone give me and advice or details or any experiences they have had

Thanks in advance any advice would be helpful
xxx

chugalug

I think there is now a visa you have to apply for declaring your criminal record. Do it before you go!! There have been cases where someone didnt declare their criminal record before going so they were refused entry to the USA. Check with citizens advice about the correct procedure as I dont know it off hand. And youre right, it has changed since 9/11 and the war against terror so that even spent convictions should be declared just to be on the safe side. HTH

tiffany925_2

chugalug wrote:

I think there is now a visa you have to apply for declaring your criminal record. Do it before you go!! There have been cases where someone didnt declare their criminal record before going so they were refused entry to the USA. Check with citizens advice about the correct procedure as I dont know it off hand. And youre right, it has changed since 9/11 and the war against terror so that even spent convictions should be declared just to be on the safe side. HTH

does anyone know how they would know about it or if they can check up on it even from 94-95

Becles

Considering the terriorism issues, they will be checking up on everyone entering the country.

You should sort it out before you go. Otherwise you will be worrying all the time between now and the holiday about if you are going to get in. If you are refused entry at immigration, it will be very embarrassing for you and will spoil your holiday.

Try ringing the US Embassy for advice.

Merkin

There have been other threads about this and the advice seems mixed - if you do call the embassy they will tell you to get a visa without question.

I did read on another holiday site that the US immigration do not have access to UK criminal records and only have information if you are actively wanted and they are informed by UK authorities/Interpol.

If you sign the declaration and say you have a record they are also going to check you out on arrival and possibly refuse entry.

Also mentioned in the same threads were people that said they had records for assualt and violent conduct, hadn't declared and got in with no problems.

If you decide to take the risk just sign the declaration as no convictions, look happy to be on holiday and don't worry about it.

Have a good time!

tiffany925_2

Merkin wrote:

There have been other threads about this and the advice seems mixed - if you do call the embassy they will tell you to get a visa without question.

I did read on another holiday site that the US immigration do not have access to UK criminal records and only have information if you are actively wanted and they are informed by UK authorities/Interpol.

If you sign the declaration and say you have a record they are also going to check you out on arrival and possibly refuse entry.

Also mentioned in the same threads were people that said they had records for assualt and violent conduct, hadn't declared and got in with no problems.

If you decide to take the risk just sign the declaration as no convictions, look happy to be on holiday and don't worry about it.

Have a good time!

Thanks everyone for the advice
I have heard mixed views as well from other sites I dont know If it's worth the risk or not (we have paid for accomodation and flight already) i Could still be turned down even if I apply for a visa couldnt I.. I really dont know what is the best thing to do.

If I apply for a visa do i have to go down to London or are there other places??

HGLTsuperstar

Well my visa to the USA last year was granted on the plane, with no requirement to declare anything (not that I have anything to declare but you catch my drift). Having said that, if you are an unlucky sod and they have no reason to detain you then the state pen is not the sort of cheap accomodation you had in mind.
Why do you need a VISa if on UK passport, fill out the form on the plane and 90 day visa waiver

Browntoa

I've had a hour being grilled by USA customs just because someone else with the same first and last name as me come up in the check on the way BACK from Cancun...I had already passed through the USA on the way out..so there seems to be an element of pot luck with the checks. Luckily I had been to the USA twice before in the last 5 years and reeled off the dates, they then let me go

louise1234_2

I'd apply for the visa - surely it is fraud signing the visa waiver & ticking you have no convictions. It's not likely they would know you have an old conviction, but do you really want to take the chance? Immigration could pick up on your nervousness & refuse you entry.

Hopefully they will still give you a visa with a 10 year old conviction for cheque fraud, it's hardly a major crime and not violent etc. Wouldn't you rather know now, then spend the whole flight worrying.

tiffany925_2

louise1234 wrote:

I'd apply for the visa - surely it is fraud signing the visa waiver & ticking you have no convictions. It's not likely they would know you have an old conviction, but do you really want to take the chance? Immigration could pick up on your nervousness & refuse you entry.

Hopefully they will still give you a visa with a 10 year old conviction for cheque fraud, it's hardly a major crime and not violent etc. Wouldn't you rather know now, then spend the whole flight worrying.

i know i am already worried sick as what to do ..does anyone know if I apply for a visa is is valid for a few years or just that trip

Penny-Pincher!!

Think there valid for 10 years.

pp
xx