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Original poster

Help worried about appointment

55 replies

Hairyhat · 20/01/2018 15:11

Hello all. Posting here for traffic. When I was young (and very stupid) I got a criminal record for drug offence. It was more than 20 years ago and I haven't reoffended. I now have a chance to take my ds to the states but require a non immigrant visa. (Although my conviction is spent in this country it doesn't apply in US law.) I have completed the DS160 and got my police certificate and all relevant documents (I sincerely hope) ready to attend my appointment in person at the US Embassy.
My question is: how likely am I to be given a Visa? And how long will it be until I receive it (and my passport back). I've paid to have a courier service to my home address. I have taken out insurance and booked the only flights I can make. The flight date is 9 days after my Embassy appointment. I really hope someone with experience can tell me it is doable. I am already feeling dreadful about my past affecting my innocent DS. I would hate to have to let him down over this. He begs to go visit out relatives in the states and I'm scared my stupidity will prevent this.
Also, what is the interview like and does anyone have any tips (I'm frightened they will be horrible to me)?
Thanks to all who have got this far!

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Original poster
Hairyhat · 20/01/2018 15:14

Also I have to fly to Belfast for my appointment and I'm worried about weather preventing the appointment!

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Original poster
Hairyhat · 20/01/2018 19:03

Anyone have any advice?

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Christmascardqueen · 20/01/2018 19:08

I was present when my 74 yr old cousin was denied entry to the USA this past November. She had an old pot conviction and had applied for a pardon.
The pardon can take up to 3 yrs to process and may not be accepted by the US.

silvousplaitmerci · 20/01/2018 19:32

My ex has a conviction for possession of cocaine and I regularly see him on Instagram travelling to Las Vegas...I often wonder how on earth he gets in to the states Confused

Original poster
Hairyhat · 20/01/2018 19:34

Thanks for the replies. Someone else said to me why didn't I just lie (I would never risk it especially as my son would be travelling with me) and say I didn't have any criminal convictions. I suppose that's what your ex must be doing

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Original poster
Hairyhat · 20/01/2018 19:36

It's not looking very good for us is it? I'm so ashamed that I've ruined this chance for my son.

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TheChineseChicken · 20/01/2018 19:41

Was it actually a conviction rather than a caution?

Original poster
Hairyhat · 20/01/2018 19:42

Yes conviction. 20 years ago

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Christmascardqueen · 20/01/2018 19:42

It’s all on their computers. Although it may not be updated quickly.

Original poster
Hairyhat · 20/01/2018 19:43

I could never lie anyway

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Rylanmakesmyheartsmile · 20/01/2018 20:18

9 days is going to be pushing it. We had work visas for the US and our lawyers' computers showed that their application had been approved they day after our interview but it still took over a week to get our passports back.

Interviews involve a long, boring wait. You wait, then get called to the first window for an initial short chat, then you wait some more and then finally get called to the second window for your actual application. You also, at that point, have to go to the third window to pay your fee. Only after this are you able to leave.

Our appointment time was first thing (like 8.30am) but we didn't get seen at the second window until about 3pm! The interviewer asked us (DH and I both had to be interviewed separately) questions about DH's job and our plans etc because he was going on a work visa. At the window next to me a guy who was applying for a visitor visa was rejected because of a speeding conviction. According to our lawyer there can appear to be no rhyme nor reason as to why they allow some people in and others not.

Original poster
Hairyhat · 20/01/2018 20:19

I wish it was clear one way or the other whether or not I could get a visa. That way I wouldn't waste their time or mine.

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Original poster
Hairyhat · 20/01/2018 20:22

Thank you so much for your reply Rylan

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TheChineseChicken · 20/01/2018 20:28

What kind of offence? I imagine that, say, possession of a tiny amount of cannabis will be less of an issue than dealing cocaine (to give extreme examples). Would your visa be approved before travel for certain or do you still risk being turned away at immigration?

Don't feel ashamed. A lot, if not most, of us have dabbled in drugs, it's just that some were unlucky and got caught. I got a caution many years ago but it hasn't been an issue for travel to the US luckily. But that wasn't a conviction of course.

Original poster
Hairyhat · 20/01/2018 20:35

Thank you Chinesechicken

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Original poster
Hairyhat · 20/01/2018 20:37

It was possession with intent. I was stupidly trying to protect someone and agreed to pass on half an ounce of cocaine for somebody who then rang the police to protect himself. I was an absolute idiot.

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HPandBaconSandwiches · 20/01/2018 20:56

Your best bet is to be honest and say how ashamed you feel about what you did etc.

I have to say though that the chance of getting a visa processed by 9 days after your interview is low to nil. I’m very sorry OP but there’s a reason your told not to book flights until you have a visa sorted. Your insurance will almost certainly not cover this.

Very sorry for you Flowers

Original poster
Hairyhat · 21/01/2018 10:48

Thanks for your message HP. The only flights I could go for were 9 days after my appointment, due to relative having surgery and my not wanting my son to have time off school. I will try to get an earlier appointment tomorrow. I have very little hope of this trip happening now though. Talk about things coming back to bite you on the bum!

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TheChineseChicken · 21/01/2018 10:56

Fingers crossed OP. Please let us know how you get on

notapizzaeater · 21/01/2018 11:26

Can someone else take your ds ? Grandparent, aunty Etc ? Might be better to have a contingency plan in place

Original poster
Hairyhat · 21/01/2018 11:44

I'll definitely update you all on this thread, it's helping me not feel so alone in all this. Because I'm so ashamed and because I felt I'd left that life behind me, I haven't told many people in real life about my past. This thread is an outlet in a way.

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Original poster
Hairyhat · 21/01/2018 11:48

Thanks Chinesechicken. A good suggestion notapizza but Unfortunately I'm a single mum with my closest relative in the states! I have no immediate family and my DS's dad is definitely no help.
I've had the same job for the last 13 years and they ask for a current CV so I'm hoping this will go in my favour and help to prove I'm not the idiot I once was.

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ScattyMcScatty · 21/01/2018 21:03

Nothing useful to add just wanted to say good luck Thanks really hope it works out x

Original poster
Hairyhat · 21/01/2018 21:24

Thanks scattyMcScatty it means a lot. Love your name by the way.

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Original poster
Hairyhat · 29/01/2018 22:23

Hi all. Update available if anyone's interested?

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