Hi Steven-1234

Sorry to hear your news - really disappointing.

I agree, you did the right thing by going down the visa route, especially as your travel was for work purposes. Good luck with your discussions with your boss.

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Well, I guess as expected, my B1 visa was denied and I had to apply for the waiver of ineligibilty. It's unfortunate because I have to go to the U.S. for work, not sure how I'm going to explain this to my bosses - but that's the way it goes. I understand that there are a lot of people on this forum who have it worse than me but it's still a hard pill to swallow in any event (pun not intended). I'm starting to understand IanC's view more and more but still in some strange way I'm glad that I didn't lie and risk further convictions. Although I would understand if people did that. I guess that's out of the question for me now anyway- I read a post somewhere that the computer never forgets I hope that it works out better for everyone else and hope that one day America relaxes it's stance on things like this.


Unlock does some really good work. Well done Christopher Stacey and the crew. Keep fighting the good fight.
Peace.

Hi Jamie and Joe,
How did you go with the consulates? I'm about to go through the same process for the same issue. Would love to hear how you went.

Thanks Steve

Hi,

What category of controlled substance was it?

I received a caution for possessing controlled drug - Class A - Other in October 2007.

I attended the US Embassy in August 2009 with the intention of gaining a B-2 Tourism / Holiday visa.

The interview was very short winded. The interviewer was a female Yank. She asked me about the caution, whether I was still using any drugs etc.

Put it all down to mispent youth, misuse on a night out etc.

She approved the Visa with a 10 year expiry there and then. You are obliged to re-apply every 10 years for your Visa's by the way.

There wasn't much else to it to be honest. I went in a suit but I think I was very much in the minority.

The embassy is remarkably busy so expect to spend the full day there and way past your appointment schedule time.

Take a magazine / book with because you aren't allowed any electronics, phone etc.

Just be polite, confident and re-assuring that it was a one off and it has made you re-assess your priorities and drug "misuse" is behind you.

Oh yeah, the passport photo camera is expensive when you are in there too, so perhaps a good idea to have them to hand when you give your passport in.

If I'm honest, I regretted getting the Visa because most people will just travel under ESTA, rightly or wrongly. There doesn't appear to be any resource for Dept. Homeland Security to check the UK CRB database (or whatever CRB is called these days!)

A massive thread on the subject of travel wise here:

https://forum.unlock.org.uk/default.aspx?f=37&m=7410

its pretty detailed and I believe someone on the last page or 2 posted another link to even more details... its a hit and miss topic most guys just don't declare anything and go right thru
although some have been unlucky and sent back home.

The bottom line seems like above, the US do not have access to UK databases. I guess if your standing in the cue with your leg shaking or sweating and acting strange or the sniffer dog likes your butt or drugs are found on your suitcase you may flag up.

While the legal route is your suppose to declare it imo a caution is not a criminal conviction (a court can only give a criminal conviction) you got a caution or a slap on the wrist as I call it.

If you did go the same route as caterpillar you do get peace of mind and reassurance when you land on the otherside you will go straight through with no issues..... it should also be noted sometimes they can NOT approve your visa, also as soon as you tick yes to criminal convictions on the form you would instantly flag up and be questioned and possibly rejected and sent home which seems to be the case.

Sadly not many people come back to the forums to say if it was a success or not, so one can assume they just tick no and get treated like a normal human being.

Remember though America is just one giant prison with criminals anyhow, its called a friday night to them over there.

Our situations are the same mine was class A controlled substance.

Thank you for the advice appreciate the reply and any other stories are much appreciated!

Hi my name is Jamie and few months ago booked a holiday to America with my girlfriend. But stupidly recently received a police caution for possession of small amount of class a drugs. Something I'm embarrassed and ashamed of. The police told me to report the matter ASAP to the American embassy and start the process of getting an interview because a simple esta visa might flag up and sent straight back home. I received a simple caution and released with no fine. My interview is in 2 months and wondering what I can do to strengthen my chances or have I got no chance what so ever? If anyone in my situation has any success stories I would be much appreciated to hear about them and your experience.

Thank you for reading.

https://www.urban75.net/forums/threads/travelling-from-the-uk-to-the-usa-with-a-criminal-record.88652/page-24

Check out last few pages of that link mate...

Post Edited (jdr_92) : 22/02/2015 22:52:13 (GMT+1)

Hi,

I'm really sorry to hear your news. I am currently filling out a Visa application - however in 2002 I served 2 year custodial sentence for Class A supply - heroin!!!

I know work for the government as a counsellor - specialising in Drug, solvent and alcohol abure counselling (believe it or not).

I fear my efforts to conform US travel laws may be futile. I am not prepared to take the ESTA gamble as I have been through far more than most and worked too hard to get where I am today.

If I am refused I shal just pay for my family to go Disney World, as it would be unfair for my 4 year old daughter to miss out as a result of her fathers past mistake!