karenkaren1

apply jan 19? problem solved

d7desmon

Hi guys, new on here and must say what a wonderful job you lot are doing , sharing your experiences while helping others in the process, well done.

I have a situation I'm hoping someone might have had similar experience or know of others who has. I am a foreign national in the UK who has been convicted of a very serious crime namely importation of drugs. I received an 18 months sentence and have since completed that and my rehabilitation since June 2010. I have also gone on to receive an Indefinite Leave to Remain status in the country. In the last 2 years my family ( wife and 2 kids ) have gone to Florida on holidays but I know I'm not eligible which is why I have never attempted to apply for visa. But I realised at some point I'll have to either explain to my kids why daddy can't go with them or apply for a waiver of ineligibility. My thoughts tell me it is impossible to get a waiver for this sort of conviction, for one it is a very serious one and only 7 years has passed. The kids have now decided they want to go to Florida again and I'm deliberating on trying my luck, just so I can say I tried. My questions are, are there waivers for such grave crimes ? if the answer is yes has anyone been successful at applying for one ? All responses will be appreciated.

civilservant

Yes, such a conviction could be waived and a B2 granted. The longer the elapsed time since the offence, the better. It will likely also only be single entry, which means going through the process and waiver process every time you want to enter the US.

d7desmon

Many thanks for the response. Glad to know there is still some hope, however little. I really don't mind doing it every time if that is what is required, just being able to travel to the US on vacation with the kids is all that matters.

civilservant

One thing to note - NEVER book a trip to US until you have a visa in hand. The waiver process is lengthy.

d7desmon

Oh! Thanks for the advice. Won't attempt that at all.

shiversaint

As has been said, it's possible for this conviction to be waived.

Only issue is, it's trafficking, which you are obviously aware is devastatingly serious, and even more so in the eyes of the US.

You could try now but I wouldn't expect you to succeed until you cross the 10 year mark for something like that.

d7desmon

Thank you very much for taking the time to respond. Yes I am very much aware how precarious the situation is. I have an interview coming up in about 3 weeks, I have no hope whatsoever and know I'll be refused and certainly not get recommended for a waiver but I still want to try just to get it done and out of the way. My hope now is for sometime in the future, maybe at the 10 year point as suggested by you, hopefully by then they'll look back upon my last attempt and the time passed positively.

TranceMaster

Hi, interview 8th Jan. email 20th March. Passport sent special delivery 21st March and received back 29th march. 5 year visa! Previously had 6 months, single entry, 1 year, then 3 year. I assume this methodology is based on a “trust” building up over time. But who knows.

ireallywannago

Excellent news for you. Happy planning. 👍🏻

movida

I've been told that processing times from Belfast are much quicker than London. However, looking at the website it currently takes 26 calendar days to get an appointment vs 7-10 for London. Apparently visa waivers are processed in 2-3 months from belfast and up to 6 months for London.

As I'll get an appointment in london up to 3 weeks sooner, and I live there, it makes much more sense to go there. I'd visit Belfast if it would genuinely save me 3-4 months of waiting if I was granted a waiver. However from this thread it seems that processing from London has come down to about 3 months currently, is this correct? Which option should I go for?

TranceMaster

See my recent post of actual real life timing for me recently In London.

I think you may be working with a myth. As far as I know after interview stage your application ends up in exactly the same pile of paper somewhere at Homeland security in America in the same office awaiting approval regardless of where your interview was. The only potential differential is of London are not as efficient in filing that request as Belfast are.

karenkaren1

I suppose these status updates are a myth also?https://uk.usembassy.gov/wp-content/...9march2018.pdf

Movida, be careful of the 'advice' you get on here. I am actually IN the process now. those appointment times are not accurate, When you are at the stage of booking the appointment, you can choose which of the 2 embassy/consulate then. You also have the option going back in a seeing if there is a possible sooner cancellation and changing your mind.
Wishing u all the best

movida

Thanks that pdf is really useful. Is there the same available for London so I can see ‘real’ processing times to make a final decision?

karenkaren1

strangely, there isn't but like I said, make your decision at the stage when you are booking the appointment online - you can see the calendar availability for both. When I did it for my husband, the website said it would only be a 3 day wait for London but in reality no appointments were available for 3 weeks so it was a no brainer for us because Belfast had much sooner availability.