visa exemption & convictions!!!!

[Unregistered]

How would the US authorities know about a minor conviction (e.g. shoplifting) from 20+ years ago?
If the person travelling doesn’t declare this on entry & enters the US under the visa exemption.

[Mr Orlando]

I dont think they would know. but please dont quote me on that.

Best thing to do is visit http://www.fco.gov.uk and email them or contact the US Embassy.

I took this snipet off there web site

Why might I need a visa?

There are reasons why a British traveller will need a visa. These include one or more of the following: (If you think that your situation falls into any of the following categories, you should consult the US Embassy about whether you need to apply for a visa – you must do this well in advance of any plans to travel to the US.)

The personal information page of your passport does not describe you as a "British Citizen", but instead says "British Subject", "British National (Overseas)", "British Overseas Territories Citizen", "British Dependent Territories Citizen", "British Protected Person" or "British Overseas Citizen"

You intend to stay longer than 90 days
You have a passport that is not machine readable
You intend to travel to the US for a reason other than business, pleasure or transit
You have been arrested, even if not convicted
You have a criminal record
You have a serious, communicable disease (including HIV)
You are HIV Positive
You have been refused entry to the US on a previous occasion
You have been deported from the US
You have previously overstayed the 90 days permitted under the Visa Waiver Programme (ie travel without a visa)
You are a child included on your parent's passport

In all of these cases, you need to apply for a visa, or seek further information from the US Embassy Visa Information Service09055 444546 – calls are charged at £1.30 a minute) or www.usembassy.org.uk.

The US Government has legislated that anyone travelling to the US under the Visa Waiver Programme with a passport issued on or after 26 October 2005, will have to have a biometric passport in order to travel visa free. Biometric passports will contain data about the holder’s face, and may also contain other unique personal information such as fingerprints and iris details. The UK is working on its programme to introduce biometric passports, but it will not be fully ready in time for the 26 October 2005 deadline. British Citizens who would normally travel under the VWP may therefore require a visa, which will include biometric data, to enter the US on or after 26 October 2005.

[dingospeed]

I've almost completed the Imigrant Visa process I am now being asked to provide a police record check. The problem is that I was convicted of theft back in 1996 and served 9 months nearley 10 years ago could this have an affect on the application when I provide the police records????? Should I declare it up front now or not ??

[karrie]

do declare it because it will shop up on your police check!

[dingospeed]

Thanks Karrie but as it will show up on the police records will it affect my application being rejected ??

[squidge]

yeah i agree with karrie declare it


I dunno if it will affect your application but if you dont declare it & they do apolice check it will show up & they will reject ure application coz u wasnt being totally up front with them!!!

[dingospeed]

OK thanks for the info Squidge and Karrie

[Double k]

Welcome to the forum dingospeed post lots and have fun ;)

you have dug up a vintage thread here first post in jan 2005 :eek:

anyway i can't help on this but this topic does come up a lot and i think as long as you are honist you will not get refused :confused:

have you posted your holiday on the holiday board if please do so

[squidge]

i do agree kk, i think honesty os the best way to go with these forms.

[dingospeed]

Hi all, thanks for the advise will proceed with honesty I'll get back to you when I know the decision.
Thanks again. :)

[Mr Orlando]

good luck dino and welcome to the best forums in town

[debbie4]

[QUOTE=dingospeed]I've almost completed the Imigrant Visa process I am now being asked to provide a police record check. The problem is that I was convicted of theft back in 1996 and served 9 months nearley 10 years ago could this have an affect on the application when I provide the police records????? Should I declare it up front now or not ??[/QUOTE

Hi you do need a visa if you have a criminal record.I needed to get one for my husband and his offence was over ten years ago.When they check your passport in orlando it brings up any convictions that you have.IF you have not declared these convictions ,they can refuse to let you in to orlando.So yes get a police check done,it does only cost £10.00,and for a offence of theft, you will be granted a visa.When you get to orlando airport,you will be taken into a seperate room,without your family,my husband was in there 2 hours,they just phone the embassey,and then tell you to go and have a nice holiday.hope this helps you

[squidge]

good luck, & please let ius know when u hear back :eek: