US visa with a criminal record?

[trashpony]

depends what for really, drugs will stop you getting in if they find out, end of story.

I have a drug conviction

If they had access to everyone's criminal records they wouldn't need to ask all these questions, would they?

Innit

 

[sim667]

possessing a moody VCR.

That made me laugh....... It took me ages to think what a VCR was.

 

[Onket]

If they had access to everyone's criminal records they wouldn't need to ask all these questions, would they?

Just like prospective employers.

 

[Bungle73]

It took me ages to think what a VCR was.

What?

What is a "moody" one? Nicked?

 

[trashpony]

Well you basically have two options. You tell the truth in which case they mayrefuse your visa application. Or you lie, and they don't. They don't consider crimes spent incidentally so time passing won't change anything.

Having said that (and having a fairly good idea of what your convictions are for), I don't think you qualify as an undesirable alien under their criteria:

Have you ever been arrested or convicted for an offense or crime involving moral turpitude or a violation related to a controlled substance; or been arrested or convicted for two or more offenses for which the aggregate sentence to confinement was five years or more; or been a controlled substance trafficker; or are you seeking entry to engage in criminal or immoral activities?

so you could tell the truth and hope they'll let you in. Of course, if they don't, it's very unlikely afaik that they'll change their minds about you in the future.

 

[nick h.]

Top quote! Where's it from?

Does anyone go to the US without wanting to engage in immoral activities?

 

[trashpony]

Top quote! Where's it from?

Does anyone go to the US without wanting to engage in immoral activities?

That's the 1st question of the visa waiver Don't tell me you've never read it

 

[Onket]

That's the 1st question of the visa waiver Don't tell me you've never read it

Even I have read it!

Cheers Trashy.

 

[editor]

I just don't want to lie if I don't have to and in the process possibly scupper my chances of going over there in the future.

One thing: be REALLY careful that there's no drug residue on your clothes, laptop, credit card or whatever.

 

[Onket]

One thing: be REALLY careful that there's no drug residue on your clothes, laptop, credit card or whatever.

What about my banknotes?

 

[editor]

What about my banknotes?

I'd be just be careful there's no hefty 'residue' if you've been 'entertaining.'

 

[not-bono-ever]

One thing: be REALLY careful that there's no drug residue on your clothes, laptop, credit card or whatever.

good practice going anywhere TBH


recently in Dubai ( theres old threads on this ) and I was utterly fanatical about being clean, even though Im hardly a fiend

 

[innit]

I'd be just be careful there's no hefty 'residue' if you've been 'entertaining.'

An old acquaintance of mine lost his work permit supposedly due to residue on credit card / bank notes (can't quite remember which, it's years since I heard the story). seemed rather harsh but there you go. he can't go in now, full stop.

 

[Onket]

I'd be just be careful there's no hefty 'residue' if you've been 'entertaining.'

Aye. Cheers.

 

[editor]

When I was working in the States I once inadvertently went through customs with some stuff in a jeans pocket in my bag. I could have spectacularly fucked things up if I'd been caught, so now I only pack freshly laundered clothes and triple check every conceivable pocket in my coats and jackets.

 

[Onket]

I've been through customs many times with stuff, deliberately and accidentally. But yeah, not America, the land of the free.

 

[trashpony]

I am the world's worst at carrying drugs. I put them down my bra and then they all melt

 

[metalsponge]

You won't though. They won't ever find out unless you are unable to lie face to face. But I've never been asked. I lived there for nearly 2 years and worked illegally within a couple of years of my conviction. I was nervous the first time I went in but now I don't even think about it.

Can I ask how you managed to live there without having to give your police certificate/ACRO shenanigans to a visa official?

 

[trashpony]

Can I ask how you managed to live there without having to give your police certificate/ACRO shenanigans to a visa official?

i ticked ‘no‘ on the do you have any convictions box.

 

[metalsponge]

i ticked ‘no‘ on the do you have any convictions box.

Which kind of visa can I ask?

 

[DaveCinzano]

I am the world's worst at carrying drugs. I put them down my bra and then they all melt

Get you with your fancy methamphetamine sorbets and ayahuasca-flavoured froyos!

 

[pogofish]

Can I ask how you managed to live there without having to give your police certificate/ACRO shenanigans to a visa official?

Why not read the established thread on this very subject - it has all the answers you need!

 

[metalsponge]

Why not read the established thread on this very subject - it has all the answers you need!

Attaining residency status is rather different from simply ticking no on the ESTA, unless the OP considers the 90 days of allotted visa waiver holiday time to amount to 'living' there...

 

[Shippou-Sensei]

send a dm for advise and help on how to go about that

Given that was in 2009 I think it might be a bit late.