Refused visa USA

[bpoolmecca]

I was refused a visa to usa in 1983 as i had drug convictions.Been drug free ever since,kids now want to go to Disneyland,should i risk it or should i take a chance on re applying and bringing it back to their notice

[dazf]

it is a catch 22.

u can risk going in on the VWP (visa Waver Programme)
or reaply for a visa at the embassy, either way ur refusal the first time does mean on the VWP that u need to apply for a visa.

not sure if they keep and records of names on their data base on people who have been refused or not refused a visa..

it is up to u...
personally i would try again to get a visa from the US embassy for safety...
but evan with a visa u r still not guarenteed to enter the US that will depend on the immigration officer..

[dzug]

You can be certain that people who are refused visas are entered in the 'lookout' system that US immigration officers have on their computers. Maybe not that efficiently.

My guess is though (and it's only a guess) that this does not go back 24 years but is confined to the fairly recent past.

So if you go under the VWP and say you have never been refused a visa and never had any convictions there is probably only a small chance you will be caught out. It's disaster if you are though - you will be refused entry and become ineligible for a visa for quite a few more years.

If you apply for a visa (which I think you should) you will have to declare the convictions and the previous visa refusal. They are long enough ago for them probably not to be used as grounds to refuse a visa now - ie you should get it. It might take a while though - months.

And if you get the visa you won't be refused admission on the grounds of convictions and previous visa refusal. Other reasons are always possible, but very unlikely.

[JonnoGenie]

The US 'IBIS' system certainly flags up my little US misdemeanour from 15 years ago each time I enter the US, so I'd not be too confident that something 24 years ago was someone in the clear.

The thing here is, if you tried to enter on the Visa Waiver Scheme, you'd have to lie about being previously denied a visa. And. If they find out that you are lying, you could expect a really very unpleasant time, and then probably deportation.

I'd think it wiser to apply for a visa. The time that has passed since your 'issues', that would seem a safer bet...

[munchie63]

since 24 years have passed, and it was one incident, you shouldn't have any problems with your visa now, although they could it theory, deny it.
I think it won't be a problem.

But, I really wouldn't risk using the VWP.

Apply for the visa now, without mentioning the trip to the kids. The visa will probably take 12-16 weeks, but you could find out immediately. And if they issue you a 10 year visa, you've loads of time to plan your trip.

[Dee Sa]

normally I say to people take a chance, but the yanks are s**t hot on drug convictions, and do you really want to take the chance of being deported in front of the kids ? or your wife having to tell them that although daddy came on the plane he has had to go back on his own whilst we carry on with the holiday, youare all going to be miserable.
all the way there you are going to be worried sick, go through proper channels but allow plenty of time, dont keep putting it off it does take many weeks for the interview and then the decision, but you will be able to get on that plane stress free.
I hope it all works out for you.

[Harley]

British citizens with machine-readable passports but without a digital photo will still be able to visit the USA visa free as their passport was issued before the 26 October 2005 deadline.


However.....Travelers with a Criminal conviction(s)
Under United States visa law people who have been arrested are not eligible to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program(VWP); they are required to apply for visas before traveling. If the arrest resulted in a conviction, the individual may require a special restricted visa in order to travel. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act does not apply to United States visa law. Therefore, even travelers with a spent conviction are not eligible to travel visa free; they must apply for visas.


http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/visa/niv/ add_crime.html

[spudqueen]

Ask yourself if it is better to disappoint the kids that you can't book a holiday as you've been refused a visa, or to get them all excited and fly all the way there only for you to be refused entry. I know what I would do - apply for a visa. It would be heartbreaking for the kids if you couldn't get in the country when you're already there and the holiday is supposed to start. Don't know how old the kids are but it could be a lessons for them, don't ever do drugs then you can go to the States on holiday - I certainly tell my 15 year old that.

[bpoolmecca]

Thanks everyone seems opinion is varied will probably take the safe option and go to Disneyland Paris.It does seem though that of all the celebs coming here and going there its one rule for the rich and famous and one for the rest of us.Thanks once again