US Visitor Visa

[Boisdeslandes]

If you apply for a US Visitor Visa but can't get one is it still possible to just risk it and use the visa waiver system?

[Sandy-Wroe]

Wouldn't they have the fact that you were refused a visa on their computers? It would be a wasted journey, I'd say.

[Boisdeslandes]

Yeah that was what I was thinking too. Trouble is I was trying to be honest! I could have just lied in the first place and probably got away with it like lots of other people do. I don't know what to do now. I was going to spend more money and try to get legal advice but I am not sure if that would help. Celebrities seem to be able to get their visa problems sorted out even when they have convictions but little people like me who are trying to follow the rules don't seem to stand a chance.

[Boisdeslandes]

Have not yet been refused a visa but have to go for a medical. Have a conviction for possession of cannabis 9 years ago and didn't smoke much again until this year when my father died. It just helped me to sleep but now I am sure I will get turned down for the visa if I go for the medical. All I wanted to do was take my mother and sister on a fun holiday for Xmas as this year as been Sugar and is only getting worse now that I have screwed everything up. I really should have just lied on the Visa Waiver form but I was trying to be honest and do the right thing. Now that has stuffed me. Like I said before I don't understand how celebrities get round these rules when some of them have done things much worse than me.

[dzug]

If you are refused a visitor visa and apply for an ESTA you will be lying twice - once about the conviction and and again about never having been refused a visa.

You will be on their records for certain - (probably) not for the conviction but certainly for the refused visa - I'd be surprised if ESTA doesn't turn you down anyway.

[dzug]

Oh celebrities get round the rules by having expensive lawyers fight their case for them. You could do the same.

It doesn't always work.

[Boisdeslandes]

If I could find an expensive lawyer I would give it a go! The 'little' people must be able to find a way through. All I want is to take my mother to Florida for Xmas!

[Bjohn]

Celebrities who have convictions need to go through the same process as you. Yes, they generally employer lawyers to present their case but one thing to remember is that celebrities are most likely seeking performance visa's, not a general holiday visa like a B2. If you're visa is refused there are waivers available for certain drug convictions. BTW. Amy Winehouse was refused a visa to perform at the Grammy's. Lily Allen was refused entry on the VWP because of an Assault caution. So you're celebrity statement doesn't stand quite true.

[bednobs]

honestly, the police ver here should have an anti-crime campaign telling people that if they get caught being naughty, they'll never be able to go to disneyland, that woud cut the crime rate drastically!

Anyway, does it have to be florida? Why not go somewhere nicer than that?

[Boisdeslandes]

Celebrities may be refused like me but then they get the visas in the end!