USA - Visa Advice

TinTin · 7th November 2007, 3:26pm

Off to New York in 3 weeks and my brother told me last night that he was caught with a joint about 10 years ago and was given some sort of fixed penalty

. He has never mentioned it before now but hes worried he might need a Visa for the US. It only came up because he was stopped and searched at a gig during the summer and he was asked if he had any previous convictions etc. He mentioned about the fixed penalty and they confirmed that it was on his record. How strict are they about this type of thing?

katinacooker · 7th November 2007, 3:27pm

http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/

hope that helps

TinTin · 7th November 2007, 3:30pm

Thanks. I had a look last night and it said to contact the embassy in London but it costs £1.20/min to call them

katinacooker · 7th November 2007, 3:31pm

haha, just phone a bomb threat in. you'll have a uniformed driver there in two seconds

Posh · 7th November 2007, 3:32pm

I've been fucking about on that site for the last few minutes and I can't really find anything of use

Maybe it'd be best to just ring the callcentre. Think it's still based in RHL at Citypoint.

Dec · 7th November 2007, 3:40pm

Lev should be here soon to let your brother know how stupid he was for ruining his life with drugs, and that the repercussions still harm you all today. He's right, too.

Jushin Liger · 7th November 2007, 4:08pm

If you have a drug conviction (and that's what that is) you do not qualify for the Visa Waiver and you will need to apply for a visa through the US embassy.

Important: Some travelers may not be eligible to enter the United States visa free under the VWP. These include people who have been arrested, even if the arrest did not result in a criminal conviction, those with criminal records, (the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act does not apply to U.S. visa law), certain serious communicable illnesses, those who have been refused admission into, or have been deported from, the United States, or have previously overstayed on the VWP. Such travelers must apply for special restricted visas. If they attempt to travel without a visa, they may be refused entry into the United States.

Taken from: http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/visa/niv/vwp.html

**Ghostsuit** · 7th November 2007, 4:12pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by TinTin

Off to New York in 3 weeks and my brother told me last night that he was caught with a joint about 10 years ago and was given some sort of fixed penalty

. He has never mentioned it before now but hes worried he might need a Visa for the US. It only came up because he was stopped and searched at a gig during the summer and he was asked if he had any previous convictions etc. He mentioned about the fixed penalty and they confirmed that it was on his record. How strict are they about this type of thing?

I used to work for US Embassy visa line.

He'll need a visa it's kind of that simple really. If you have a conviction of any sort you have to apply for a visa, unfortunately time might be against him as it normally takes about month to get one sent through but they might have a system to do it now not sure so best to give them a call.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TinTin

Thanks. I had a look last night and it said to contact the embassy in London but it costs £1.20/min to call them

oh it got cheaper used to be £1.50 when I worked for them. Max length of call allowed was 10 minutes so some people had to phone back if it was complicated or they wouldn't listen.

Posh · 7th November 2007, 4:16pm

I really don't think they'll be able to do one in 3 weeks. If anything the time has probably increased since you worked there

Call them! Now!

Largest of Als · 7th November 2007, 4:49pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jushin Liger

If you have a drug conviction (and that's what that is) you do not qualify for the Visa Waiver and you will need to apply for a visa through the US embassy.

Important: Some travelers may not be eligible to enter the United States visa free under the VWP. These include people who have been arrested, even if the arrest did not result in a criminal conviction, those with criminal records, (the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act does not apply to U.S. visa law), certain serious communicable illnesses, those who have been refused admission into, or have been deported from, the United States, or have previously overstayed on the VWP. Such travelers must apply for special restricted visas. If they attempt to travel without a visa, they may be refused entry into the United States.

Taken from: http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/visa/niv/vwp.html

What He Said....

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghostsuit

I used to work for US Embassy visa line.

He'll need a visa it's kind of that simple really. If you have a conviction of any sort you have to apply for a visa, unfortunately time might be against him as it normally takes about month to get one sent through but they might have a system to do it now not sure so best to give them a call.

And what he said...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Posh

I really don't think they'll be able to do one in 3 weeks.

.. unless you want to pay an immigration lawyer to speed up the process, but there's no guarantee they'll accept the application.

Al

TinTin · 7th November 2007, 7:55pm

Thanks for all the advice. I spoke to my brother and he is just going to keep quiet and hope for the best. He looked up about getting a visa but its a 27 day wait just for the interview which is no good. He has travelled a lot over the last 10 years and has never had any problems. He has also had several Disclosures for work and nothing has ever come up. I just wish he had mentioned it 3 months ago when we booked the flights and there would have been plenty of time for him to get a visa!

Posh · 7th November 2007, 8:09pm

Eep! Best of luck!

TinTin · 7th November 2007, 8:13pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Posh

Eep! Best of luck!

Just out of interest, what would happen if he was refused entry. Would he be detained or sent back straight away? I've told him if that happens then I'm using his spending money!

*LesMTS* · 7th November 2007, 8:13pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by TinTin

Thanks for all the advice. I spoke to my brother and he is just going to keep quiet and hope for the best. He looked up about getting a visa but its a 27 day wait just for the interview which is no good. He has travelled a lot over the last 10 years and has never had any problems. He has also had several Disclosures for work and nothing has ever come up. I just wish he had mentioned it 3 months ago when we booked the flights and there would have been plenty of time for him to get a visa!

If he's had the full disclosure and nothing's come up I doubt it will be a problem. That thing will pull up if you've ever drunk orange juice from the carton.

Posh · 7th November 2007, 8:14pm

Yeah, I was gonna ask, do you know if he has had an enhanced disclosure done or just a couple of basics?