US Customs - Questions about Visa's

[munchie63]

Have my visa ready to travel, and am wondering if anyone else has been through using one recently.

Bearing in mind we use the visa waiver unless we've been arrested / HIV etc, are visa holders questioned more before entry ?
I'm expecting 'where are you staying / how long / reason for visit etc, but just wonder if they'll ask why I couldn't use the waiver.

[dzug]

There are other reasons for a visa than crime/disease - longer visits, more frequent visits, not leaving North America from the US but from Mexico or Canada or overland.

I doubt if you will get any more questioning - if anything less.

[munchie63]

thanks.

What you're saying makes sense.

I guess I'm nervy as we always seem to hear bad stories about US immigration

[dzug]

Never had any problems with them. They can be slightly gruff, yes, even when they are trying to be friendly. Basically they are sizing you up and asking themselves if you are really there on holiday. If you are and give that impression then you have no worries.

The fact that you have a visa means that some of the questions that they might ask have already been asked and answered, so it should make it easier.

[munchie63]

bit of feedback.....

I was only asked three questions..

purpose of my visit

did I have any food on me

did I have more than $10,000 on me (I wish)

customs were polite, we only waited 25mins, and I'd go back tomorrow if I had the spending money.

[Lolly99]

Hi. I'm a new member and have recently posted a question about visas to Canada with a police caution. Whilst reading through some threads I came across you mentioning that rather than chance anything as you were not eligible for travel to the US under the VWP, you applied for a visa. You were obviously sucessful, but could I ask what made you ineligible in the first place (e.g. criminal record?) as I was wondering how relevant your successfully application is to others who have been arrested / have convictions who would consider ticking the "no" box on the form. Thanks.

[munchie63]

of course you can ask.......it was a very minor caution and fine from a magistrates court for 'Obstruction'.
basically, I'd had a drink and refused to move on from outside the pub when asked to do so by the police.
as the officer was in no mood for any cheek from a 20yr old lad, I was arrested.
I've spoken to others who have breach of the peace, and affray offences from fighting at football matches, and they were also issued visas, but had to wait 8 weeks.
For the US, drug offences are usually a no-go, and they're not too keen on drink-driving either (is anyone?), but unless it's a 'bad' crime, and depending how long ago, visas sem to get issued