usa entry-visa

[jaguar07]

i was recently cautioned for shop lifting and was advised by the police that this would not affect my entering the states.however,i have since read differently and my friend knows of someone who had a rough time at jfk as they had been convicted of robbery in the uk.how did the us know and what are the chances of me getting through jfk next month without a visa as it is too late to organise

[dzug]

The 'someone who had a rough time' was probably fool enough to admit his crime on the visa waiver application form.

Unless he was on a wanted list there is no reasonfor the US to know about him.

[jaguar07]

cheers!-that's what i thought-if i cancel this trip and go later would you apply for the visa or risk it?what proof do we have that the usa don't have access to our criminal records?

[dzug]

Well if you apply for a visa they are going to ask why you are doing so rather than using the waiver scheme.

You have to say it's because of your record and provide proof of it. Or find some other reason for applying (eg own property there and need to make frequent visits) - not that easy.

And given that your record is recent and for dishonesty they are entitled to refuse a visa anyway. Whether they would or not I don't know.

[Old Salt]

How true dzug.....................and

Just imagine the greeting jaguar07 will receive 'if' somehow, and it happens all the time, the USA Immigration Officer has been made aware of the brush with the law; it is not a lot of fun sitting for hours in a windowless room manacled and chained to the floor, waiting for 'officialdom' to decide if you should be returned to your port-of-departure.

And when they detect a lie, or omission, they really start to down 'Bear Down Hard!'

It is not an easy decision to make

Old Salt

[JonnoGenie]

Being a criminal, and then lying about it breaking the law again. Oh yes, great plan, though not in America!

[Dee Sa]

just dont declare it, why should you ? they only grill you if you answer yes I have convictions instead of no I have not.

[JonnoGenie]

Dee Sa:
>> just dont declare it, why should you ?

Er because it is illegal.