criminal record going to the states?

[michaelf]

Any thoughts or information will be greatly appreciated

Michael

Edited by mikef1 on Sunday 5th May 23:06

[paoloh]

Don't tick the yes box on immigration card to criminal convictions.

You'll be fine.

[Ganglandboss]

You need a visa if you have been convicted of a crime involving 'moral turpitude'; look on Wikipedia for the definition and a list of offenses. The rehabilitation of Offenders Act doesn't apply to America so the fact it is a 15 year old conviction won't help.

This is quite a hot topic on the Ricky Hatton forum at the moment with the Pacman fight coming up. The consensus of opinion on there seems to be keep quiet and you'll be okay, but I don't think I'd chance it with the new ESTA system.

[Ganglandboss]

paoloh said:

Don't tick the yes box on immigration card to criminal convictions.

You'll be fine.

They've done away with that now; you now have to apply in advance.

[Blib]

ESTA application form.

http://unitedkingdom.esta.us/?gclid=CKmz6pvq25kCFQ...

[Ganglandboss]

Blib said:

ESTA application form.

http://unitedkingdom.esta.us/?gclid=CKmz6pvq25kCFQ...

That link charges you. The ESTA process is free. Try this link instaed:

https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/esta.html?_flowExecu...

[BigTuna]

Ganglandboss said:

paoloh said:

Don't tick the yes box on immigration card to criminal convictions.

You'll be fine.

They've done away with that now; you now have to apply in advance.

FYI, you still have to complete the VWP Form and hand that over before being granted entry to the states, apparently it will be like this for the next 12 months.

[satchbot]

I thought you had to declare arrests even if it didn't go anywhere

[Ganglandboss]

satchbot said:

I thought you had to declare arrests even if it didn't go anywhere

No - only convictions or official admissions.

[v15ben]

Only convictions. Had a customer recently with a similar scenario involving a minor incident 30 years ago. Best policy is to ring the Embassy (if you can get through!) and confirm what you need to do from them. I am fairly confident you can just fill in the relevant info in the free ESTA form, but I'd ring to be on the safe side!

[ehyouwhat]

Is the same situation true of Canada? I'm attending a stag weekend in Toronto this weekend, and one of our party has a dangerous driving conviction from 2005. He's been told by a few travel agents that he should have no problem getting into the country - however, the Canadian Immigration website seems to suggest he'd need special permission to enter. He's tried to get in contact with both the Canadian Immigration Board and the Canadian Tourism board, by both phone and email, and has had no reply or defined response.

At present he's 'risking it for a biscuit' which, given the risk of being deported back to the UK, seems to me to be a risk too far. Apparently most people with criminal records can simply 'blag' their way into Canada, and so that's the game he's going to play

[f13ldy]

ESTA Website said:

Have you ever been arrested or convicted for an offense or crime involving moral turpitude or a violation related to a controlled substance; or have been arrested or convicted for two or more offenses for which the aggregate sentence to confinement was five years or more; or have been a controlled substance trafficker; or are you seeking entry to engage in criminal or immoral activities? *

For perverting the course of justice you'll be needing a Visa to play it safe...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moral_turpitude

For Dangerous Driving to Canada I wouldn't bother.

I've been.

[ali_kat]

You have to apply for a Visa

Then go to the embassy for interviews

Then wait for their decision


My cousin is currently still waiting, 4 months for the interview, now 4 months for a decision...

And that is just for a caution on her son's record....