usa visa for criminal conviction

[gordo85]

me and my family are hoping to travel to florida on holiday next year along with my friend. My friend was caught smoking canabis when he was 18 about three years ago and was hit with a �75 fine. This shows up on his record as a charge will is stop us getting in? or will it result in him being refused a visa at the embassy?

[NORMANTHEDOG]

The US authorities do not like people who have drug convictions on their records and allways refuse entry to people who have them,if they know,but will they know that he has the conviction.he will either have to apply for a visa for the trip or lie on the visa waiver form when you go and take a chance.its very hard to say if they have a record of his offence on their files,catch 22 rings a bell.

[gordo85]

but would his visa be refused?

[dzug]

It's unlikely that a minor offence like this would lead to a visa application being refused. The only way to find out for certain is to apply.

[jon1968]

Definitely go down the Visa route as they can explain at the embassy how young and silly they were etc. and it�ll stand you in good stead for future trips as long as your friend wasn't dealing.

I think it just flags up with US customs as �Drug conviction� if it�s on the system so they pounce on you when you arrive, it doesn�t show how minor the transgression, and if they�ve not ticked the box on the waiver card then they�re bang in trouble!

My friend had a bad experience a few years ago!

[jno]

they barred John Lennon for it. I'd apply for a visa and see what happens.

[curly sue]

did u not ask this same question on the 02/03/06 ?

[janejohne]

Hi there, we lived in Miami a few years ago, and traveled regularly in and out of the UK, so we know a bit about US immigration and can tell you now, you are probably on a hiding to nothing - US Immigration will DEFINATELY NOT be amused by your friends drug conviction and it is unlikely that you will be admitted into the country, unless you lie on your Green Card as you go into the US, and if they find out you lied then you will probably be sent on the next plane back to the UK. First offenders who are caught smoking cannabis etc in some US states get sentenced to LIFE imprisonment, they take drug offences so seriously over there! Good luck, and we hope you do get there and enjoy your vacation, cos all said and done, USA is a great country!