VISA for the US of A

[mickclark]

Guys,

I'm going out to the states in November to see some family. I've got a criminal record for 2 counts of common assault, is this going to cause issues with a VISA or not? Dont want to go book tickets and stuff and end up not being able to go

[ReD_mIst]

Not easy to answer

As a visitor you don't need a Visa. UK is part of the Visa Waiver Programme. So you go on line and answer some simple question

You will be asked if you have been convicted of a crime of moral turpitude.

Moral turpitude covers a lot of ground and basically means anything that isn't in line with honesty and good morals. There is no guidence or details on what crime that covers though.

Assault is covered, but typically either a)Assault with intent to commit murder or b) Assault with a dealy weapon

"Yes" or "no" is up to you....

[mickclark]

Not easy to answer

As a visitor you don't need a Visa. UK is part of the Visa Waiver Programme. So you go on line and answer some simple question

You will be asked if you have been convicted of a crime of moral turpitude.

Moral turpitude covers a lot of ground and basically means anything that isn't in line with honesty and good morals. There is no guidence or details on what crime that covers though.

Assault is covered, but typically either a)Assault with intent to commit murder or b) Assault with a dealy weapon

"Yes" or "no" is up to you....

nice one cheers bud

[Zanmato]

I'm not sure if it's a blanket decision, or if it was just because she's a celebrity, but I know that Amy Winehouse was denied a working Visa in the USA earlier this year/last year because of a common assault charge. Might be different for 'normal' people, or if you're just visiting.

http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new...add_crime.html

Not 100% on how serious they'll treat those, or how long ago they were etc, but it seems to suggest that you'd have to have an appointment at the US Embassy in London and try to get a waiver on any ineligibility (the site suggests a $131 fee) if you have any trouble with it.

There's numbers to ring on here, prob worth asking them a few anonymous questions before sending in an application lol:

http://www.usembassy.org.uk/ukaddres.html

[darthcrab]

may have issues...normally drugs is the big no no.. not even a chance..
do the online esta visa aplication (which you will need to do anyway) and on there has the question if you have been convicted before, and you get a response at the end of the application

thinking about it, Im sure its drugs and terroists that they dont allow. and im sure thats the only questions they ask.. if you have done time for either of them..

something like assult they dont ask, unless you was convicted of manslaughter or attempted murder, but then that isnt common assult

[mickclark]

will i need a visa for a 2 week trip?

[darthcrab]

will i need a visa for a 2 week trip?

no.. just fill out the esta form online, link from the US embassy site, and fill out the white and green forms they give you on plane... job done

[iandean]

If you want to do it properly contact the Embassy as you may need to apply for a visa if you have a previous. Even if it is for a holiday

Or you can fill out your ESTA and cross your fingers as you walk through immigration.

[Josh Palmer]

My favourite question is the one regarding whether you had any involvment with the nazi party in the 1940's.

[Zanmato]

My favourite question is the one regarding whether you had any involvment with the nazi party in the 1940's.

Or the one that must catch out thousands of death-merchants every day: 'Are you a terrorist?'.

I hear that to get into the UK all you have to do is write down the price of a fish supper (correct to within £1), the top 3 premiership clubs and their current league position & be able to list Jodie Marsh's last 4 boyfriends. Nothing as cunning as (essentially) "Do you plan to kill anyone on your visit?".