Applying for a VISA with a criminal record...

[taylor7]

Hi, i was wondering if anyome could help me with a huge issue that is worrying me to death.
In June i was caught shop lifting and went to the police station and signed some forms stating that i was guilty for what i did (as i was and is something i will regret doing for the rest of my life), and now i have a criminal record.
Im busy studying at the moment in South Africa and i would like to go over seas to work ( Nouvelle Caledonia to be presise) and i was wondering if i would be able to get a VISA to go overseas with my criminal record. Im not sure how it works and how to go about applying for a VISA. Is shop-lifting considered a serious offense? PLEASE HELP, it would really be appreciated. Thank you*

[jno]

no, taylor7, you've got no conviction; it's like having a parking ticket. But for heaven's sake never do it again or you may really end up in court, with a real conviction. This time you're okay. Hope all goes well with your studies and you get out to see the world.

[Law Man1856]

taylor,

I would answer yes if the question was "Do you have any previous cautions/ convictions?

If it says "Do you have any previous convictions" then I would answer NO.

I Don't know the full law in SA but if you apply for the visa and answer the questions with the above in mind then you have been truthful and not broken the law. If they then come back and ask about the caution/ fixed penalty you can say you understood it was not a conviction.

You can then contact the central police station ( I think its in Joberg ) and get the copy as previous post.

best of luck and keep studying.

[taylor7]

thanks to the both of you ;) all the best to you too.
warm regards,
taylor