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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

..US Visa (B2 holiday) + drugs arrest when very young

24 replies

ohhereweareagain · 02/05/2017 11:07

am in my 50's now but dh wants to possibly go to the US for a week in the summer. I have looked into it and don't qualify for the quick route (ESTA) as i stupidly got done for a small amount of hash when i was 17 coming back from Amsterdam as i got caught having forgotten to throw away the left overs (just a small amount). tbh i don't really like America much so not really bothered however i don't want to ruin it for the others if they decide that is where they want to go. Anyone been turned down when applying for a visa having gone down the interview path etc. Seems a bit ridiculous really as i was so young dragging this all back up and it was such a small amount although I get it. I have applied to the Police for the necessary certificate that I will need. thanks

OP posts:
KurriKurri · 02/05/2017 11:28

I do know someone who was refused entry many years later from something he had done when he was about 18 - but his was a custodial offense and he was an adult, and he was wanting to go over for working purposes.
You say you were turned down for an ESTA because of the offense, that sort of suggests you might have a tricky time. Can you phone the American Embassy and ask what your chances are ?

KurriKurri · 02/05/2017 11:29

When I last went to USA on a VISA I was quite extensively questioned on the way in even though I'd got my VISA about the purpose of my visit etc - they are quite strict I think.

mummymeister · 02/05/2017 11:37

if you have a look back about a week ago there was another thread on here about this that had some very useful advice in it.

I would get your application in as soon as possible and give as much information on it as you can. I would also stress the bit about it being when you were you much younger and that you are now a changed person. they do take a dim view of certain offences but if you give yourself plenty of time and mitigate then you should get a visa.

however, even having a visa is no guarantee of entry and you may be closely questioned when you arrive. in which case take copies of all of your documents with you.

USA don't have spent conviction time limits like we do so unfortunately they do judge you on something that happened 30+ years ago. all you can do is approach it early and honestly.

Goldfishjane · 02/05/2017 11:38

what's your AIBU?

I know a couple of people with similar issues who declared them and were let in no worries. That was a different presidential era though...!

RusholmeRuffian · 02/05/2017 11:39

How do you know you don't like America much?

I know plenty of people who have convictions for drugs who have been to the US. Have you actually applied for an ESTA?

mummymeister · 02/05/2017 11:40

you cant apply for the esta if you have a conviction. it says so on the form. so if you tick yes in that particular box you get refused. its easier to just not go down the esta route and go straight to the embassy to apply for the visa.

SlowLifeLove · 02/05/2017 11:42

@ohhereweareagain I know people (family members) who have been granted visas after offences that were far more concerning. Go for it, but be honest and also accept that phrasing it as 'a little bit of hash' is going to rile them, as is the excuse that you forgot to throw it away.

You did something illegal, you were caught, you need to own that if there's any hope in hell of them issuing a visa.

Original poster
ohhereweareagain · 02/05/2017 11:47

i haven't applied for the ESTA as i read through and it clearly states that if you have ever been convicted of drug offences you can't. i must add that i got a small fine (in a local small court) and didn't get a custodial sentence. i have been to the US since it happened as by chance i already had a visa in my then current passport and had never had a problem getting into the county. tbh i never gave thought to it and only when i was older (having been to the US) did it then occur to me that it could be a problem. i could use this as an excuse to not go there Grin as i don't want to really but i don't want to be selfish

OP posts:
Original poster
ohhereweareagain · 02/05/2017 11:51

slowlife good tips thanks

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TheDisillusionedAnarchist · 02/05/2017 12:18

DH got a caution for possession of cannabis aged 14 and hence had to get a visa for the US.

Getting a 10 year visa was a non issue. How immigration treat it varies. Once they took him off to a small room then did absolutely nothing and waved him through. Last time they just let him through. Depends on the officer it seems.

Original poster
ohhereweareagain · 02/05/2017 14:38

That's interesting dis. I've never had any issues and been a few times since although a long time ago . It was so long ago but must be in the system and will be interesting to see what the police cert says. I remember that the chap who caught me was very young and his boss said to me when he walked me to the train that he would have let me off with a caution but his young chap in training was out to impress (not his exact words). I was such an idiot. Pissed off with all the hassle but it is good that I don't really want to go as it means I won't be particularly disappointed if they refuse.

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Vq1970 · 02/05/2017 14:53

I had to get a visa for travel to the USA because I have a conviction for fraud (it sounds a lot worse than what actually happened!) I had been to the USA about 25 times before this so I don't know if that helped when applying. It was clear from my records that I wasn't a threat to their economy.

My first visa was just for a year and it was a pain in the arse getting it but glad I did. This was about 6 months after my conviction. On that first trip to the USA I got pulled over and taken into a little room to discuss why I was travelling on a visa. They were very understanding and let me in. I had to renew my visa and went through the whole pain in the arse palaver again and now have a 10 year visa. I've been a few times since and never been refused entry but normally just get questioned at the desk as to why I'm travelling under a visa.

JsOtherHalf · 02/05/2017 14:56

It might be worth flying from Ireland, as you can pre clear customs and immigration there; once you land you just collect your luggage and go.

Eg www.aerlingus.com/travel-information/airport-information/us-immigration/

Original poster
ohhereweareagain · 02/05/2017 15:09

that's interestng Js but nah, i have nothing to hide ie they could do a blood test and see there is no trace of anything if they so wanted as i haven't touched anything for the last two decades and have no intention of ever doing so again either. I don't mind being questioned and at the end of the day, they either let me in or they don't.

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JsOtherHalf · 02/05/2017 18:07

At least if you were declined entry in Dublin you wouldn't have such a long trip back? Or you could have a break in Dublin instead? ;)

ihavecoldfeet · 02/05/2017 18:15

My husband has to have a visa due to being stupid when he was in his youth . I would say that unless things have dramatically improved then the chance of getting a visa in time for the summer is practically nil. You have to send off for your police record and then apply for visa, wait for visa appt at Embassy and then wait for visa to be approved - both times it took about 4 - 6 months for the process from start to finish. In fact the second time we went we had to change our flight dates as it took so long. But I am going back about 8 years ago so it might be quicker now

Original poster
ohhereweareagain · 02/05/2017 18:30

thanks ihave i didn't expect the whole process to be so drawn out. looks like a change of plan then europe here i come...never felt like 'a real criminal' until now. the thought of me having to go through a 'different door' upon arrival to most travellers who would be 'esta' ones automatically makes me stand out/makes me feel like a criminal. weird as was such a stupid thing so long ago and is so far removed from how my whole adult life (20s 30's & 40s) has been. hey ho that taught me didn't it

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lostincumbria · 02/05/2017 18:49

Hi ohhere - B2 and ESTA holders use the same queue. The only difference is that people who are on their second or higher entry can use the machines, first time travellers cannot. Nobody is marked out and everybody is generally too stressed to notice anyway. Your main issue is the time it takes to get the visa.

Original poster
ohhereweareagain · 02/05/2017 19:11

thanks lost i've thrown in the towel as it will be too late to get the visa by the time the police certificate comes through. i don't want to pay out for a visa (that i may or may not get) and then find it is too late to use it anyway. tbh i know that a visa still doesn't guarantee entry and whilst i have been to the US a few times since the incident in the 80s, i don't relish the idea of me stressing on the flight. funny but it never came into my head previously when i was younger. i'd much prefer to go to italy Smile

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Nanna50 · 02/05/2017 19:26

I have a friend with a conviction who has never declared it and been to USA four or five times. How do they know if you have convictions? This conviction was within the last decade so not historic or committed in youth etc. Has he just been extremely lucky not to be stopped?

Original poster
ohhereweareagain · 02/05/2017 20:23

There's NO WAY I would try and hide it. I am a really honest person which ironically is how I came to get done in the first place (long story). I know by getting a visa i am waving a flag that I did something wrong to not be going using the esta system however I think the stress of worrying about possibly being caught and having tried to hide it if i do is far worse tbh.

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Nanna50 · 02/05/2017 20:30

Oh sorry I wasn't suggesting you lied I was genuinely asking on the thread if any one knew how had he got away with it and how do they check as I have no idea.

Vq1970 · 03/05/2017 15:14

Nanna50 I would be interested to know that as well! I never considered not getting a visa because I love going to the USA and didn't want to jeopardise my chances of going but I did wonder how would they know.

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