News0 min ago
Visa for USA?
I am off to Chicago in 3 months, staying for 10 days. Do I need to get a Visa, or do you still just fill in forms on the plane? Any advice more than welcome, thanks!
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Check out this page on the American Embassy website
http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/niv/ vwp.html
http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/niv/ vwp.html
'Officially', Dee Sa's statement that 'minor offences don't count' is incorrect. The US embassy website states that anyone who's ever been arrested (even if totally innocent) or convicted of any offence is ineligible to use the Visa Waiver Program. (The only exception is for minor, non-arrestable, motoring offences, such as speeding). See SpudQueen's link for further information.
However, as Bednobs states, obtaining a US visa usually takes longer than 3 months. (Typically around 5 or 6 months). Anyway, we don't know that you're not a model citizen, with no brushes with the law.
Irrespective of whether they've been arrested or convicted, thousands of people enter the USA by simply filling in the form on the plane. (The US authorities have no direct access to UK criminal records). However, anyone who answers 'Yes' to the question about arrests and convictions will automatically be turned back by immigration staff, because they've admitted their ineligibility to use the Visa Waiver Program.
Chris
However, as Bednobs states, obtaining a US visa usually takes longer than 3 months. (Typically around 5 or 6 months). Anyway, we don't know that you're not a model citizen, with no brushes with the law.
Irrespective of whether they've been arrested or convicted, thousands of people enter the USA by simply filling in the form on the plane. (The US authorities have no direct access to UK criminal records). However, anyone who answers 'Yes' to the question about arrests and convictions will automatically be turned back by immigration staff, because they've admitted their ineligibility to use the Visa Waiver Program.
Chris
There is a contradiction between the US London Embassy web site and the Visa waiver application form. The latter only asks about crimes involving moral turpitude or controlled substances (oh and genocide and one or two other things) but the London Embassy just says crimes. I think they are oversimplifying - it's tempting to say for the sake of the visa fees but they are probably just being cautious.
And it really doesn't normally take 5 or 6 months to get a visa - if your case is non-contentious it will be issued within a day or two of your interview at the Embassy. It will only take 5 or 6 months if you aren't entitled to a visa at all and they have to refer it back to the US for a special exemption to be made. If you have a recent serious criminal record for example.
And it really doesn't normally take 5 or 6 months to get a visa - if your case is non-contentious it will be issued within a day or two of your interview at the Embassy. It will only take 5 or 6 months if you aren't entitled to a visa at all and they have to refer it back to the US for a special exemption to be made. If you have a recent serious criminal record for example.
It took me a month (from interview) to get a B1/2 visa, and A) that was not a simple application B) I'd have got it in a few days if the US Embassy helpline (�1/min) had have given me accurate advice. If your application is complete and valid you will get your visa in under a month; as DZUG says, most people get theirs in a matter of days.
(Chris I think you're doing ABers some disservice going on and on about how it takes up to 6 months, when for most people, it simply doesn't)
(Chris I think you're doing ABers some disservice going on and on about how it takes up to 6 months, when for most people, it simply doesn't)
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