pintail Posted September 26, 2012 Report Share Posted September 26, 2012 dont know if any one can tell me how hard it is to get a visa to the USA, i had a minor conviction over 30years ago and am looking to go to the states, and have been told as i have a conviction i have to apply for a visa, and cant go under the 'visa waiver' programme, just didn't know if its worth not declaring the conviction or go to the trouble of getting a visa, any advice would be appreciated, cheers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drayman Posted September 26, 2012 Report Share Posted September 26, 2012 Don't know about convictions but I travel to the US for short business trips which I've done for years. On the last one they were concerned that I was being paid by a US company which meant I should have applied for a work visa or had a letter of invitation - never needed one before. As I was only there for 24 hours they said "you can't do that but we won't refer you" whatever that meant. However, a woman in a similar situation got turned back. I really don't think it's worth taking the risk and I would do it by the book. It may be a hassle this end but that's nothing compared to flying all the way there and getting turned back at immigration. I suspect you would also need to pay for the new flight and that won't be a budget deal at short notice. Get in touch with the US embassy, do all they ask and don't take the risk, would be my advice. Besides, if you try an illegal entry it will be on your file should you want to travel again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rupert Posted September 26, 2012 Report Share Posted September 26, 2012 I know exactly whats involved with both london and belfast i will pm you my number Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rec-baller Posted September 26, 2012 Report Share Posted September 26, 2012 a chap i know had a convition for being in possesion of cannabis for "personall use " he took his family to Florida last year but he did,nt bother to declare his convition on any of his forms-- at the airport in the States he was stopped and questioned about it,, then refused entry !!! the authorities would allow his wife and family to continue but they declined to, so all the family flew home the same day !!!! that was one VERY expensive day trip, they lost all the hotel costs, theme park ticket etc !!!! shaun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vince Green Posted September 27, 2012 Report Share Posted September 27, 2012 The americans can be extremely picky and far from consistant. If you have any convictions they will know about it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leeds chimp Posted September 27, 2012 Report Share Posted September 27, 2012 as above dont take the risk at all Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ferguson_tom Posted September 27, 2012 Report Share Posted September 27, 2012 US immigration are possibly the biggest bunch of jobs worths I have ever come across, when we went on holiday they asked so many questions and paperwork is a but of ball ache. If you have anything on your record declare it as they will find out and send you packing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cranfield Posted September 27, 2012 Report Share Posted September 27, 2012 Fill in the application online https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/ , give full details and you will find out if you can go on the visa waiver system, or not. Don't rely on what you have been told. Applying for a visa is not that difficult and depending on the offence, a 30 year old conviction is not likely to be a problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robl Posted September 27, 2012 Report Share Posted September 27, 2012 I went to the embassy to get a visa a few years back as I wanted to stay there for more than 3 months. In short – you wait in a lot of queues. Then you speak to a chap through a glass window (much like in a bank). If you can prove you’re a respectable citizen with spending money and that you have a mortgage/life/family at home then you’ll get a visa. I only wanted a short term one but they gave me a 10 year one. They basically just want to check you’re unlikely to commit crime there and/or decide to stay there indefinitely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sprackles Posted September 27, 2012 Report Share Posted September 27, 2012 Just been having a look through.......strangely a firearms offence is not considered a bar to entry under the waiver program as it does not come under moral turpitude..(gotta love yankspeak) Neither do these below. Breach of the peace Carrying a concealed weapon Desertion from the Armed Forces Disorderly conduct Drunk or reckless driving Driving while license suspended or revoked Drunkenness Escape from prison Failure to report for military induction False statements (not amounting to perjury or involving fraud) Firearm violations Gambling violations Immigration violations Liquor violations Loan sharking Lottery violations Minor traffic violations Possessing burglar tools (without intent to commit burglary) Smuggling and customs violations (where intent to commit fraud is absent) Tax evasion (without intent to defraud) Vagrancy Assault (simple) (any assault, which does not require an evil intent or depraved motive, although it may involve the use of a weapon, which is neither dangerous nor deadly) Yet a tax evader, lewdness....(thoughts as well as actions apparently)...paternity fraud..?. The assault one gets me....as long as it wasnt too bad you are ok.......hmm ok then, I hit him over the head with a piece of wood.......OK sir, youre in. The USA really baffles me sometimes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pintail Posted September 27, 2012 Author Report Share Posted September 27, 2012 thanks for all the replies, i think i will go and get a visa and not take the risk of being put back on a plane and told to leave the country, cheers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eyefor Posted September 27, 2012 Report Share Posted September 27, 2012 (edited) thanks for all the replies, i think i will go and get a visa and not take the risk of being put back on a plane and told to leave the country, cheers. Hi, You don't have to "go" anywhere and (assuming you are a UK citizen?) you don't need a "visa" as you will travel under the visa waiver programme. Just fill in the ETSA form (link is posted above) and you will be approved (or not!) online & it will give you authority to travel. ESTA APPROVAL DOES NOT GUARANTEE ENTRY - but if you are just there on normal holidays or business you will be fine. Don't forget to print a copy of the ESTA out & take it with you? Edited September 27, 2012 by Eyefor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AVB Posted September 27, 2012 Report Share Posted September 27, 2012 Hi, You don't have to "go" anywhere and (assuming you are a UK citizen?) you don't need a "visa" as you will travel under the visa waiver programme. Just fill in the ETSA form (link is posted above) and you will be approved (or not!) online & it will give you authority to travel. ESTA APPROVAL DOES NOT GUARANTEE ENTRY - but if you are just there on normal holidays or business you will be fine. Don't forget to print a copy of the ESTA out & take it with you? Not that simple From the ESTA website:- A visa must be requested if the traveler: Has a criminal record or other condition making them ineligible for a visa Then look here for the definition of criminal record http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/ineligibilities/ineligibilities_1364.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rupert Posted September 27, 2012 Report Share Posted September 27, 2012 Hi, You don't have to "go" anywhere and (assuming you are a UK citizen?) you don't need a "visa" as you will travel under the visa waiver programme. Just fill in the ETSA form (link is posted above) and you will be approved (or not!) online & it will give you authority to travel. ESTA APPROVAL DOES NOT GUARANTEE ENTRY - but if you are just there on normal holidays or business you will be fine. Don't forget to print a copy of the ESTA out & take it with you? Wrong in this case Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rupert Posted September 27, 2012 Report Share Posted September 27, 2012 I have a 10 yr visa from belfast embassy and had a 2yr from the london embassy, I have travelled to the states many times on these and expect a thorough grilling at the other end,including being made to wait until the rest of the passengers have been dealt with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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