i went to america on a visa waiver bout 3weeks ago, i ad no problems in gettin 1 or while i was there. if i apply 4 a j1 work visa what u reckon my chances are. my criminal record is 4 theft, from 2 years ago, when i was 18.
afta readin ur answer i explored and spoke 2 the embassy and police, if i ad a conviction, 4 drugs, murder, manslaughter, or gbh there the main 1s that USA wont allow,.
i should have no problems from what iv been told,
I'm just wondering if theft comes under 'moral turpitude' or not.
Because if it does, they'll refuse you, as you entered on the visa waiver instead of using a visa.
as for the works visa, it depends what/where you wish to work. With loads of people applying, they can be 'fussy' and refuse those with criminal records. Especially if you're looking to work coaching kids soccer etc. Whatever the crime, they believe you'd be a bad influence.
You said you spoke to the embassy about it - I'm surprised they gave you an answer. The helpline can't make decisions about visa's, that's up to the Embassy officials.
I had questions regarding an old 'record' and the only advice they gave was 'you'll have to book an interview'.
Which police did you speak to ? The UK police have no idea about US work visa's.
I'm with Norm here. I'd be amazed if you got a work visa.