Going To America With a Criminal Record?

[xTheRoseRedx]

Okay, i am hopefully going to America, or more specific, the state of Minnesota in around 5 months. I am wondering if this is possible because i have a criminal record. I was charged when i was 15, i am now 19.
I was young so as far as i can remember back i was charged with sexual assault, which might i add i never did but got charged with, not that it matters in this anyway. Is there anyone who can help me on this subject, shed some light for me?

I am unsure as to whether this will be possible and i'd hate to get so close before being turned away and my holiday turned to dust. I am planing to met someone who i have been talking to online for around a year and a bit, if i dont make it over i will be so disappointed in myself.
I dont need people being offensive to me, i would just like to know what my opinions are, trust me, i am a nice guy who just wants to know!

Thank you.

[dave068]

Don't see why not, they send their criminals over here........Mike Tyson, George Bush, etc.

[xTheRoseRedx]

Well, thats not really that helpful, but thank you anyway!

[Buenchico]

See here:
http://www.usembassy....sa/niv/add_crime.html

If you 'go by the book', you're required to apply for a visa and then (because your application will almost certainly be refused in the first instance) apply for a 'waiver of ineligibility'. The process is complicated, tedious and time-consuming. You have to get a police certificate, which can take up to 6 weeks:
http://www.acpo.police.uk/certificates.asp
You also have to book an interview at the US embassy. (There's usually a waiting list of several weeks). If, as seems likely, your application for a visa is refused you then have to submit an application for consideration by the authorities in Washington. (That takes a minimum of 8 weeks, often far longer). The whole process typically takes 6 to 9 months (although I've seen a post on this site from someone who had to wait over a year, only to have their application refused).

Your only alternative is to 'forget' about your brush with the law and apply for an 'ESTA' (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) as if you've never been in trouble with the police. The US authorities don't have direct access to UK criminal records, so you might get past their immigration controls without any problems. However there can be no guarantees of this.

Chris

[dzug]

Given that your alleged 'crime' was committed as a minor, the US Embassy will almost certainly disregard it and grant you a visa. Because you were a juvenile, it falls outside the definition of moral turpitude and shouldn't pose the problem it would if you had been 18 at the time.

[munchie63]

pretty sure dzug's right - under 18 crimes won't count.
My only worry would be the sexual assualt charge, and that may over-ride it. double-check the website info, but you should be ok to go

[natlever]

U dont need to declare anything you were convicted/charged/arrested for before you were 18.... you can apply for the ESTA u do not need Visa at all....