Criminal conviction: what are my chances?
May 15th 2007, 3:08 am
#1
Just Joined
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1
Criminal conviction: what are my chances?
Hello,
I have a problem that I hope you good people can advise me on:
In 1990 I was serving with the British army in Germany and got into a fight (after a guy hit my girlfriend if that's relevant) which resulted in me hitting somebody with a glass. Mad I know. A year later I was convicted by court martial of 'unlawful and malicious wounding' and sentenced to 11 months detention at MCTC (army prison). I served 7 months and was then released back to my unit.
I had always thought military matters just stayed in the military but it seems I do have a criminal record. A couple of years ago I was stopped by the police in the UK (just a routine check) and they were just curious about what the heck I got up to in Germany.
So, I'm pretty sure I'm ineligible to enter the US under the VWP. But am I even eligible for a visa at all? Reading some of the posts here it seems not due to the seriousness of the offence. Shame really, having to pay for a moment of madness as an 18-year old. I haven't been any trouble all before or since then.
BTW, I only wanted to visit my sister (she is married to a US citizen). I don't want to work or anything.
Thanks for your time reading this. Hope to hear some good news, but won't hold my breath.
I have a problem that I hope you good people can advise me on:
In 1990 I was serving with the British army in Germany and got into a fight (after a guy hit my girlfriend if that's relevant) which resulted in me hitting somebody with a glass. Mad I know. A year later I was convicted by court martial of 'unlawful and malicious wounding' and sentenced to 11 months detention at MCTC (army prison). I served 7 months and was then released back to my unit.
I had always thought military matters just stayed in the military but it seems I do have a criminal record. A couple of years ago I was stopped by the police in the UK (just a routine check) and they were just curious about what the heck I got up to in Germany.
So, I'm pretty sure I'm ineligible to enter the US under the VWP. But am I even eligible for a visa at all? Reading some of the posts here it seems not due to the seriousness of the offence. Shame really, having to pay for a moment of madness as an 18-year old. I haven't been any trouble all before or since then.
BTW, I only wanted to visit my sister (she is married to a US citizen). I don't want to work or anything.
Thanks for your time reading this. Hope to hear some good news, but won't hold my breath.
May 15th 2007, 3:12 am
#2
Lapine Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Location: Austin, Texas in my own little world
Posts: 21,691
Re: Criminal conviction: what are my chances?
May 15th 2007, 3:16 am
#3
Septicity
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 23,762
Re: Criminal conviction: what are my chances?
Chances look pretty good to me: a single offense committed more than 15 years ago. Get all the documentation for it and apply to the consulate for a B2 visitors visa. Also, don't overlook the proof of ties to the UK in your application. Good luck!
May 15th 2007, 8:29 am
#4
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 12
Re: Criminal conviction: what are my chances?
Who is a recommended visa service here in london to help with these sort of things?
May 15th 2007, 12:27 pm
#5
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Location: Orlando,Florida,living in Buckinghamshire for next 6 weeks.
Posts: 1,416
Re: Criminal conviction: what are my chances?
Why would you need a visa to come here for a short visit?I thought visa's were for extented stays such as living or wanting to work in the States.
May 15th 2007, 12:30 pm
#6
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 88,023
Re: Criminal conviction: what are my chances?
Brits visit the US on the VWP...but because of the OP's criminal record he cannot use this...therefore he will have to apply for a different visa via the US Embassy.
May 15th 2007, 12:33 pm
#7
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 68,280
Re: Criminal conviction: what are my chances?
http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/niv/b2.html
May 15th 2007, 12:37 pm
#8
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Location: Orlando,Florida,living in Buckinghamshire for next 6 weeks.
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Re: Criminal conviction: what are my chances?
Americans don't need a visa to enter the uk,why would there be any difference for brits entering america?
May 15th 2007, 12:45 pm
#10
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 88,023
Re: Criminal conviction: what are my chances?
I have no idea why we have to use a VWP and Americans entering the UK don't.
Last edited by Jerseygirl; May 15th 2007 at 12:47 pm.
May 15th 2007, 1:06 pm
#11
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Location: Orlando,Florida,living in Buckinghamshire for next 6 weeks.
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Re: Criminal conviction: what are my chances?
Brits have to fill out a VWP on the plane to give into the US Immigration official at the POE. Part of this form is stapled into your PP and removed when you leave the US. This allows entry to the US...a person with a criminal conviction cannot use the VWP.
I have no idea why we have to use a VWP and Americans entering the UK don't.
I have no idea why we have to use a VWP and Americans entering the UK don't.
May 15th 2007, 1:10 pm
#13
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 68,280
May 15th 2007, 1:11 pm
#14
Lapine Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Location: Austin, Texas in my own little world
Posts: 21,691
Re: Criminal conviction: what are my chances?
9/11 is often used as an explanation or excuse for any governmental regulation even when it's not true.
The VWP and overstay bans have been in place for a good while now.
The VWP and overstay bans have been in place for a good while now.
May 15th 2007, 2:01 pm
#15
Banned
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 12
Re: Criminal conviction: what are my chances?
You have to go for interview ..you do it yourself
http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/niv/b2.html
http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/niv/b2.html