visas

[hoz]

hiya im going on holiday on sep the 10th to america my mam was charged with handling a class a drug about 16yrs ago and my boyfreind with handling cocaine around 4years ago do they need a visa by appoinment or will a weiver visa be ok? no one seems to know anything also how do u fill in a visa form and do u print it off and send it away ? thanks hollie

[kira000]

I'm afraid with drug convictions, nether your mam or your BF will be able to use a Visa Waiver to enter. The form specifically asks about drug convictions, and if you are caught lying, BIG trouble.
So if you want to go, you will have to apply for a visa from the US embassy. Start now as it can take months, and to be honest, they dont have a geat chance of getting one with those convictions.

It is a very big risk to book holidays needing visas, before checking yo will be able to get one. Unfortunately it is unlikely for refunds to be given on holiday arrangements on the basis of failure to obtain travel documents.

[munchie63]

it's an initial online application now

look at the us embassy website and it'll tell you what to do

[dzug]

Yes they need a visa - and your boyfriend at least is likely to be refused. Your Mam's offence is probably long enough ago for them to ignore

[midagetrolop]

You will definitely need to go to the US Embassy for a visa.

[Buenchico]

(2-part post):

The US immigration authorities have no direct access to UK criminal records so, if your mother and boyfriend are prepared to break the rules, they might get in if they simply 'forget' about their convictions. The visa waiver program now requires all travellers to complete an online form at least 72 hours prior to travel:
http://www.usembassy.org.uk/dhs/esta_info.html

Visa applications (for those with criminal convictions) are long-winded and complicated. Your mother and boyfriend would first need to write to their local police force to obtain a copy of their 'police record'. They would have to provide proof of identity and pay a �10 fee. The police have up to 40 days to send the information. They would also have to obtain copies of the relevant court records.

[Buenchico]

The visa application has to be accompanied by a fee of $131. There's an additional fee for the courier service to return a passport. An appointment has to be booked at the US embassy in London. (The current minimum waiting time for appointments is around 3 weeks but some people have had to wait several months just to get an appointment). The drugs convictions will automatically bar your mother and boyfriend from entering the USA but they can apply for an exemption. Processing of the exemption application takes a minimum of three months, but often far longer.

In practice, your mother has only a slim chance of getting a visa. Your boyfriend has no chance whatsoever. (Someone has posted, here on AB, to say that they were refused a visa for two convictions of driving without insurance. The US authorities are likely to regard drugs convictions far more seriously).

Applying for visas is pointless, because they won't be issued. But, if you want the links, they're here:
http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/niv/ apply.html
and
http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/niv/ add_crime.html

Chris

[1313gray]

Hi they will both definitly need to apply for a visa. The cost for this is $131 each plus postage cost for courior to return passports. They will also need to obtain a ACPO report which costs �35 to receive it back within 10 days or �70 to receive it back within two. Also if you want to try and get an earlier appointment try Belfast flights are quite cheap at the moment and you will probably get an appoinment within a week to 10 days. They will not be eligable to travel on the ESTA waiver programme and since 12January not sure if you can now make it past authorities in the UK. Anyone know of any new information please post. Thanks

[jno]

you don't say if they were convicted - if not, they might have a decent chance of persuading the authorities to let them in.

[kira000]

Also... if you do decide to risk travel with a visa waiver and your BF and/or mam get declined for entry, they will potentially be liable for any fine and the cost of being sent back to the UK straight away. And being refused entry at immigration in the US, will effectively barr them from ever trying again..
So not reaaly worth the risk IMHO.

[Cathyhuns]

The new esta form specifically asks if you have been "arrested or convicted for ... a violation related to a controlled substance" so they would have to lie as opposed to the old green form where you could make out you didn't know what moral turpitude was.

[Dee Sa]

very sorry but with two family members with drug convictions, they aint going to the US, not ever.
try Mexico instead.
why waste all that money on visa applications when you already know its a no-no ?they really are strict on this issue, I doubt you would be able to board the plane even because you have to submit beforehand now [ the travel agent will do that for you for free] and even if you get past that problem they can still turn you back at immigration in the US, why spend all that money on air fares, you may be allowed in but not the rest of your party and then you will have to make the decision as to whether you stay and be miserable or go back with them.
Pick an alternative holiday where you can all go together.

[1313gray]

Hi try and find a post by Kirsty_07 she may be able to offer some good advise.
He boyfriend was convicted of a class A drug and his application was denied and sent to Washington for further processing and after only 3 weeks he received it back and his visa was granted and was given a waiver from his inelligibility for a one off visit only lasting no longer than a month from what I can remember but like I say if you find her post she may be able to tell you in better detail. Its an awful process but you really do need to apply and they will need to make an appointment with the consular and they will decide but I have known them to be granted so its worth a try then at least you know for definite one way or another. Hope this helps x