US Visa application with convictions

[tillyfizz]

Does anybody know if there is a 'cut off' time for crimes of moral turpitude when applying for a US Visa?

Has anybody sought advice from a solicitor specialising in US visas if so could you pass on the name/number.

I've been told that Visa Agencies specialising in obtaining visas on behalf of others can do so much quicker but it obviously cost quite a bit, if this is so any idea what the cost is?

[tigwig]

I have read your other posts so I know a bit about your situation but is burglary and theft classed as a crime of moral turpitude? I didn't think it was but wouldn't know for sure. As far as I was aware moral turpitude means things like murder etc and since US immigration do not have access to UK criminal records I don't see why they would know about the crimes your husband comitted 16yrs ago. If it was to do with drug traffiking or money laundering I would say they may know but not for anything else. I wouldn't worry about your previous call been logged either especially as your hubby is getting a new passport. I can sympathise with you cos before I joined this site my hubby had been done for drink driving and we had already been to get a visa then found out it wasn't necessary. We came back from Florida last month and immigration were really surprised when we said his only reason for the visa was drink driving. They did ask if he had done time though but obviously they had no record of his crime unless they wouldn't have had to ask. Hope someone else answers who may be able to help you more

[tillyfizz]

Thanks for the advice.

I'm really worried we wont beable to go to florida having promised the kids a holiday of a lifetime. My husband didn't go to prison he got put on probation and 100's of hours of community service. So although its something he's very ashamed of and bitterly regrets it was not serious enough for the courts to sentence him..

Not sure whether to risk it or apply for a visa!

[RevFunk]

This question has been posted about a thousand times lol

US customs have NO direct link to UK records so just enter on the Visa Waiver programme. Unless he's on the FBI most wanted listed you'll have no problem.

[tillyfizz]

He committed the crimes when he was a stupid 19yr old. Bad enough but not bad enough to get a prison sentence, he was put on probation for 12mth and community service. Thanks for being so positive and helpful unlike others who use this site (they really should get a life away from the computer and be less judgemental - their blinkered prejudice attitude says more about them than others). Just for the record i do not have a criminal record but am willing to give others a second chance or the benefit of the doubt and after 16yrs of being totally crime free i think he's paid his debt to society.

[tigwig]

I really think you should just go on this fab holiday, stop worrying and fill out the visa waiver form like everyone else. From what you have said I can't see you having any problem at immigration.

[tillyfizz]

Thanks tigwig for the advice, feel a whole lot better for it! We've decided we are going to risk it a go using the waiver programme. Fingers X. Cheers

[tigwig]

great let us know how you get on you will have a fab time! We have just taken our 3yr old and she absolutely loved it and has talked about nothing else since! the only problem is she wants to go back immediately and unless we win the lottery that won't happen! I really mean what I said though, stop worrying no one will know your secret, even if you had a visa you would panic they still wouldn't let you in but they will they really are not evil people!

[tillyfizz]

Thanks tigwig i know your right. We've got 3 boys aged 14 13 and 10 and i know they will have the time of their lives. Will let you know how we get on. Thanks for everything. x

[dzug]

There is a cut off of 15 years after which you can be fairly assured that the visa will be granted.

A visa agency won't help for the USA - you have to attend an interview.

But as others have said, the US are not going to know unless you tell them

[tillyfizz]

Thanks for the advice dzug. So the only information on uk police/criminal records the US have is that which appears on a visa if you apply for one? so if you don't apply for a visa they are not going to know you have a criminal record dating back 16years? Is that what your saying? So you think its reasonably safe to go with the Visa Waiver Program.

[RevFunk]

If you are stupid enough to apply for a visa lol, you are saying to Us immigration "please stop me"

Just enter on the Visa waiver program put no to any convictions. If you do get stopped they have no direct access to UK records so it's not like they can do a quick check on you they cant.

Unless you are a major criminal they really aren't bothered ;-)

[jno]

yes, just fill out the waiver form on the plane and tick No to the questions. I don't think theft is moral turpitude; even if it was they won't know about it if you don't tell them

http://www.immihelp.com/visas/images/i94w.jpg

[tillyfizz]

Thank you so much for the advice. You have no idea how much ive been worrying having promised the kids florida and then thinking we wouldn't beable to go. You've put our minds at rest, cheers.