Renew Visa To Usa Or Not?

[tigwig]

Almost 10yrs ago my husband and I went to Florida. We were wrongly told by several people that he would need a visa as he has a drink driving conviction. So he got one. On arrival at immigration he was pulled to 1 side and questioned about it. When he explained why he had the visa he was laughed at in amazement and waved on through. It was very clear he never needed it in the first place. So my dilemma now is he has a new passport, no record of the visa and we're not even sure it it will still be valid when we plan to go back next year. So does he just travel on an esta? We know he never committed a crime of moral turpitude but I have visions of us arriving with the kids and his passport being scanned and them saying no you should have renewed the visa! Help!

[Buenchico]

>>>It was very clear he never needed it in the first place

That's not what the US Embassy says!
http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/add_crime.html

However the questions on the ESTA application form don't actually require an applicant to declare a drink-driving conviction, so your husband could lawfully answer 'No' to all relevant questions:
https://www.nacro.org.uk/resettlement-advice-service/support-for-individuals/travelling-abroad-and-immigration-to-the-uk/declaring-your-criminal-record-when-travelling-to-specific-countries/#us

[tigwig]

But he's never committed a crime of moral turpitude so yes I agree he could quite honestly answer the questions on the esta but as he's already been granted 1 visa will US immigration know this? I have no way of finding out other than to chance it!

[Buenchico]

Try an email (or phone call) to . . .
http://www.uscis.gov/about-us/find-uscis-office/international-offices/contact-us-uscis-london-field-office

[tigwig]

Thank you :)

[237SJ]

Does your husband have his old passport? His visa will be on there. Have a look at the expiry date (of the visa). Mine last 10 years but they are not tourist visas. If they last longer than the life of my current passport I carry both passports until the US visa expires and then I apply for a new one which is put into the current passport. Your husband should just apply for an ESTA and he will travel under that.

[tigwig]

I can't find the old passport anywhere. Got a feeling I stupidly threw it away not thinking I would need it again!

[yogi-bear]

Hi tigwig

Just apply for ESTA's for all the family....your husband to answer NO to all questions....cost is $14 and easy to apply for online......lasts for 2 years......as you are going to Florida NEXT year , I would apply for the ESTA's about a month before your departure date......should come through within 72 hours, website says....but I had to renew a couple of my family's ones and got it back via email in about 2 minutes!!, so could be granted almost straight away....we went to Florida in the summer for 3 weeks and a week in the Bahamas ........one of the best holidays we ever had.....so enjoy when you go, tigwig :-)

[tigwig]

Thank you :)