Leelou77

Hi Everyone

Not sure if this is the right section , we are just about to start the process of applying for a visa and just realised that my husband received a warning when he was 15 for being in possession of a controlled substance (a spliff)!

I know we have to declare it, but wondering will this go against us even though he has never been in trouble since (for 20 yrs).

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thank you

MrsFychan

20 years is a long time, don't think it will have any relevance to your chances

ellenarosemary

Agree, if you have been out of trouble for over 20 years dont think something that happened when you were a teenager will go against you.

ManBurning

It may not even show up on the check- I had a caution when I was 14 so I noted it on my police certificate application form but when it came back it was all clear

Jan n Neil

Depends what you mean by "warning"? If it is recorded in police records (a caution?) then it will show up. There is no expiry date as far as NZ immigration goes...

However, all you need to do is apply for a "criminal waiver" and claim mis-spent youth, he knows better now, it was 20 years ago, etc. Should not be a problem. If stressed about that process, use an immigration lawyer as they will have the right weasel-words

Jan

HeatherGirl

Hi there

We had similar worries - OH had a drink driving offense at 17yrs old - which was 22 years ago and he was never in trouble since then. We declared it but when police check arrived it didn't even show up on it. Reckon the spliff offense is much less serious and therefore all should be fine..

Ah, silly boys!

Good luck!

TommyLuck

DISCLAIMER - I'm by no means 100% certain, but I reckon you'll be fine.

I've very recently had my PR approved, I declared a "conviction", (speechmarks because in truth it was a fine for a cycling offence) from 2009 that didn't actually turn up on the police check - I felt honesty was the best policy.

Up to you if you want to wait for your police check and make a decision on what you do from there in terms of your application.

I suspect a warning/caution from 20 years ago wont in its self lead to your application being turned down. Irrespective of the type of offenece, it didn't lead to any form of conviction.

I certainly hope this wont cause you any trouble.