Applying for a Visa with a criminal record

[LBD]

Has anyone recently applied for a visa? I am unfortunate enough to have a criminal record which is over 20 years old. I was charged with criminal damage when I was 13 (I'm 35 now). There is no record of the crime anyway. However the embassy have told me that I MUST apply for a visa. I have an appointment on 23rd Feb but they have quoted me 12 weeks for it to be finalised. 12 weeks from 23rd Feb is two days after I am due to fly out on 15th May. I'm just wondering if anyone else has experienced this recently and how long did it take? I have read on other forums that some people have had actually got their visa there and then at the appointment. Do you think I'll be lucky? I'm in a panic that it won't arrive before my holiday.

[blott]

Hi LBD

Welcome to the forum!

Well, I think the answer is that you need to explain all this to them when you go for your interview as they may well have quoted the 'worse case scenario' as to waiting time to avoid people ringing them up every five minutes asking where their visa has got to!

I had a guest last year with a criminal record who got his visa within 4 weeks of his interview so it is a variable waiting time.

Good luck!

[esprit]

Agree with Blott. I got a business visa in six weeks. They always overestimate. There is far more work to do on a business visa.

[LBD]

Thanks for your help. These forums are a blessing to a "worrier" like me!

[Richard]

Hi LBD

I attended London on the 11 Feb and recieved my passport including visa on the 14 Feb, 3 days.

They quoted me 6 weeks BUT they did not tell me about the 3 hours wait in a "not so fun packed" room waiting to be called for my 2 minute interview.

Good Luck

[Wandsworth Wizard]

Hi LBD I went to the Embassy in London on the 5th Jan and my passport and visa were returned on the 10th Jan.

[LBD]

Thanks guys, you've made me feel a whole lot better. I've had sleepness nights over this visa nightmare. I would never have believed that my silly behaviour over 22 years ago could come back to haunt me! I mean I've got a mortgage, had bank loans, had children, am a Legal Executive, all of which I have managed to get without having to disclose any of my past, BUT I then dared to book a holiday to Florida and guess what? I have to ask President Bush for the privilege! It really is beurocracy gone MAD MAD MAD, don't you think?
As a legal beagle I actually think there is a human rights issue here. Why does the US have the right to know these things but in the UK the record is "spent" and does not have to be disclosed?

[Carla]

I suppose the only answer to that LBD is that it is their country and they decide on the rules!!!

[LBD]

Hi everyone, just thought I would let you all know how I got on at the embassy today. As I had been arrested when I was 13 for writing my name on a park bench I had been told that I must apply for a visa. After all the sleepness nights (as well as extra expense) I went to the US embassy in London today. My appointment was at 12.30pm ...... along with at least 100 other people! I arrived at 12.00pm. My husband was not allowed in. My bags were searched and I had to hand in my mobile phone. I was sent to queue for "window 1" where I had to hand in all my paperwork. I queued for about half an hour. When I finally reached the window I was given a number and told that as I had a criminal record I would need to be interviewed in a separate room and that I would have to wait at least another two hours as they were short staffed! I duly went to another waiting room where I sat......and sat.......and sat.....and chatted to a few people.......read four magazines........ and FINALLY at 5.00pm I was seen by a lovely American man. He asked me "why are you going to the states?", "who are you going with?" "what is your occupation". He said "your visa has been approved and will be sent by post to you within a week. Thank you very much. Have a nice day." That was it......five hours waiting for a one minute interview. I am so relieved. After all the hype and scaremongering by the officials on the embassy help line it was actually very easy - although of course very boring.

Now I can finally look forward to my dream holiday in May.

I hope this helps other people who may be in a similar situation.

[steph_goodrum]

I'm glad it was all sorted so relatively easily for you despite the long wait, at least you can travel with a clear conscience rather than have the worry all the way over if you will be refused entry. Have a great holiday.