theForum

Processing times US non-immigrant VISA - criminal record


https://forum.unlock.org.uk/Topic34996.aspx

By RT - 30 Oct 24 10:55 AM

Hi all,

I’ve got a work conference in the US early Jan, however, I’ve realised I might have to play it safe & go for a B1/2 90 day VISA, due to a criminal record from over a decade ago. It’s incredibly vague on the Esta whether my crime would fall under ‘serious’ in their question, but I don’t want the embarrassment of getting turned away at the border.

1. My current Visa appointment is on 11th Dec - if I’m flying 3rd Jan from UK, is it basically impossible that my Visa would be approved & passport returned in that time?

2. Are there any tips & tricks on how to get earlier Visa interviews, other than consistently refreshing the website appointment calendar?

3. Would someone with a criminal record ever be approved on the day of Visa appointment, or does it always take longer to process? What’s the latest date I’d need to get an appointment in to realistically have a chance of getting on that 3rd Jan flight?

Thanks in advance to those who help!
By Hola - 16 Dec 24 5:31 PM

AB2014 - 5 Nov 24 9:02 AM
RT - 31 Oct 24 8:28 PM
What happens if I did say no on the ESTA, then got pulled aside by border control for questions (for whatever reason)? Can I lie there too? Wouldn’t they then be able to request access to the record? Obviously too late for me now, which is really frustrating to hear, that being honest basically means you’re screwed, but if you lied, there’s no potential for negative

If you decide to answer no, you have to stick to the story. They don't have access to our criminal records system unless they have grounds to arrest you - after all, if they could see our criminal records, they wouldn't need to ask the disclosure questions. If you answer yes, they might ask about it, but they will probably send you back to the UK and invite you to apply for a visa.

Regarding the guy who got a visa with assault on his record, if it was common assault, that isn't a crime involving moral turpitude, so it shouldn't be a problem.

go aer lingus so the customs check is done in dublin, at least that way if you get questioned it's a shorter flight home! hope that helps