URGENT : Do I need a Visa to enter US?

Question

I am hoping to go to the US very early next year to see my Fiance. I have never travelled to the US before (she normally comes to me in the UK).

Okay, my problem is this - I have a criminal record. None of the offences are what would be classed as Felonies - they are all minor and not drug, violent or sexual related. The majority are road traffic offences, although a few are minor crimes.

The visa system seems long winded and I hope to be there at the end of January. The airport I'll be landing at is San Francisco. Could they actually tell if I have a record? Would it just be possible to travel under the visa waiver program and not declare my record?

If I have to go through with the visa, how long would it take?

Someone, please give me some hope!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

Under United States visa law any travelers which have been arrested and/or convicted must declare this arrest, even travelers with minor traffic offenses which resulted in an arrest and/or conviction for the offense may not travel visa-free under the visa waiver program.

You should also be aware that the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act does not apply to United States visa law. Therefore, even travelers with a spent conviction are required to declare the arrest and/or conviction.

If you want to take the other answerers advise, then you are free to do, just remember you are paying a lot of money just for the flight alone and if you are refused entry, then under the visa waiver program you do not have the right to appeal this refusal.

The system is actually not as long-winded as some would have you believe. I am a U.K. citizen who studies in the United States (have been here for a few years) and I have just had some friends of mine, also U.K. citizens who have called up the American Embassy in London for an interview, this month and had their interview in less than a week after making the call. I had one friend who had their interview last Thursday (8th November) and got their passport/visa returned to them this past Monday (12th November), this was for a student (F-1) visa.

If you have all of the forms filled out, the correct documentation and proof of funds then you will have no problem.

Answer 2

The whole computer system that US Customs uses is tied to Interpol and other background check agencies. Felony convictions will prevent your entry to the US without a Visa. And the question is asked on the I-94W which is what you will have to fill out if you do not have a visa and you have UK passport. If you lie about it and they catch you, you will be detained until the next flight back to the UK. Also you will probably be blocked from entering the US for a period of 5-10 years. The bad part about Immigration is when you are deported they will book your ticket to your home city and you have to pay for it which is really not cheap. Check with the US embassy in your home country before attempting to enter the US with a criminal record. It will be well worth it. Unless you just want to fly 10 hours to the US sit in jail without food and then get on another flight 10 hours back to the UK.

Answer 3

Yes, you will need a Visa. Yes, they will see your record, but if it doesn't include any felonies than you should be ok. I'd highly recommend contacting your consulate to find the correct procedures from your end, or you may be disappointed in the long run. Go to where you know will have the answers. I don't think that it will take that long, there was a B-2 Visa, that was like a vacation one or something, but that may have changed.

Good luck!

Answer 4

From the UK, no.

* The purpose of their stay in the United States is 90 days or less for tourism or business (if in doubt, travelers should check with the nearest Embassy or Consulate to verify that what they plan to do is considered tourism or business. Transit through the United States is generally permitted. Note that foreign media representatives planning to engage in that vocation in the United States are not eligible, as the purpose of their stay does not qualify as “business”. These professionals must obtain a nonimmigrant media (I) visa. See media visa for more information. Also see Visitor Visas – Business and Pleasure;
* They present a machine-readable passport (MRP) valid for six months past their expected stay in the United States (unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions). This includes all categories of passports -- regular, diplomatic, and official, when the traveler is seeking to enter the United States for business or tourist purposes, for a maximum of 90 days

* Depending on when VWP travelers’ passports were issued, other passport requirements will apply. Please refer to the Visa Waiver Program Traveler Guide on the United States CBP website for additional details on this program. These passport requirements are:

- Machine-readable passports issued or renewed/extended on or after 10/26/06 – integrated chip with information from the data page (e-Passport)
- Machine-readable passports issued or renewed/extended between 10/26/05 and 10/25/06 – requires digital photograph printed on data page or integrated chip with information from the data page
- Machine-readable passports issued or renewed/extended before 10/26/05 – no further requirements

* They have complied with the conditions of previous admissions under the Visa Waiver Program, and have not been found ineligible for a U.S. visa; and
* If arriving by air or sea, they are traveling on an approved carrier (almost all major airlines and cruise ship companies are currently approved carriers - copies of carrier lists may be requested from the Department of Homeland Security’s National Fines Office at 1525 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA. 22209), and have a return trip ticket to any foreign destination.*; or
* They can demonstrate the intent to stay 90 days or less in the United States and demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves while in the United States. Learn more on the CBP website.

Answer 5

Yes, you have to have a visa to enter the US of A. With a bad record, which is what they will be checking among other things, I really don't see the US giving you the visa to enter.

Sorry.

Answer 6

Technically,yes. My nephew has a drink driving record and he can't enter the US for 10 years.
But,they can't tell if you have a criminal record unless they specifically check you out or you want to tell them for some random reason!.

I travel to the US alot,from the UK,to see my fiancé and i've never been asked a question about criminal records,not even on the landing cards you have to fill out on the plane (I don't have a criminal record anyway).

If for some reason,they do find out about it,just play dumb!

Answer 7

I never had to get a visa for any European country! If I plan to stay I would need one! I even entered Czechoslovakia with no visa, just a passport.

Answer 8

in case you acquire ban from that overstay offense, then im sorry for you. yet while not, nicely its not a topic. in basic terms clarify what befell on your case. plenty greater constructive in case you have filed a police checklist in the present day collectively as u are interior the U. S. whe u lost a passport. bcuz in this type, its a data which you're actually not mendacity and telling the actuality.

Answer 9

Yes you must have a visa,