Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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!

OP posts:
Plump82 · 29/01/2018 22:45

Please let us know.

margotsdevil · 29/01/2018 22:45

I was lurking OP, update away!

MrTrebus · 29/01/2018 22:47

Yes update away!!

pinkdelight · 29/01/2018 22:54

Go on then... ??

SmilingButClueless · 29/01/2018 22:57

If enough of us placemark will the OP come back?

WillowWept · 29/01/2018 23:00

And....?

pieceofpurplesky · 29/01/2018 23:04

?

twotired · 29/01/2018 23:22

Place marking Smile

mikeyssister · 30/01/2018 00:17

And????????????????

2018SoFarSoGreat · 30/01/2018 00:21

update would be good. I was coming on to tell my story of US embassy visit at the last minute after being denied entry, but I shall wait to hear your update. So hope it is a good one!

Wingedharpy · 30/01/2018 02:08

Tell us then OP.

Sprinklestar · 30/01/2018 03:03

Why do you need a visa? Why not go on an Esta?

You can get visas back quickly. Our last renewal was on a Tuesday morning and we had the passports back by the Friday. Didn’t even pay for an expedited service!

mogulfield · 30/01/2018 03:11

Stupid question but why do you need a visa if just for a visit? Is it due to the conviction?
I got a visa for the US but that’s because I worked out there... I was in and out the embassy in 3 hours or so. My only advice is be honest... and good luck!

TheChineseChicken · 30/01/2018 06:39

I would like to hear the update!

Madonnasmum · 30/01/2018 07:37

Good luck!

MrsWineasaurus · 30/01/2018 07:40

Update please OP! X

GlitterRollerSkate · 30/01/2018 07:54

Yes please OP! Have had my fingers crossed for you!

AnotherPlaceAnotherTime · 30/01/2018 08:27

Yes please!

notapizzaeater · 30/01/2018 08:42

Yes please x

SparklyMagpie · 30/01/2018 08:49

Oh so she didn't actually update last night?

Hope it was good news

stickytoffeevodka · 30/01/2018 08:52

Why do you need a visa? Why not go on an Esta?

You can't apply for an ESTA if you have a criminal conviction. It's only if you're going for less than three months (I think) and don't have a criminal history.

Original poster
Hairyhat · 31/01/2018 20:42

So sorry everyone. Been ill. I wasn't sure anyone would want to know my story!
So after a nerve racking but short wait I was told that the embassy cannot issue me with a visa due to the severity of my crime (even after 20 years!). I was convicted of possession with intent so it's the supply element that went against me even though no money changed hands and it was my first (and last) offence.
However, the embassy are going to recommend me for a "waiver" (of the need to have a visa) but that Homeland Security issue it and it will take 2 to 3 months. I cannot travel on my February flights but I may be able to do so in the future. So not all bad eh?
The process was quick and efficient. The staff were all very pleasant and professional. I was asked to write a statement concerning my offence, how I felt it happened, how I felt about drugs now etc. They interviewed me and asked about my life now, long term partner, relationship with my son's dad, job and how long I had held it for. They said they could see I had turned my life around and thus gave me the recommendation for a waiver.
Hope that all makes sense?
Feel free to ask me anything else about the process. I had a long chat (and did some sightseeing in Belfast) with a lady who was applying for a work visa so have a little knowledge of that side of things too.
A day I was dreading turned out to be not so bad at all!

OP posts:
TheChineseChicken · 31/01/2018 21:34

Thanks for the update. I'm sorry you won't be able to travel with your son Thanks

Original poster
Hairyhat · 31/01/2018 23:00

Thanks Chinesechicken but I am hopeful I will be able to travel with him. If I am granted a waiver I can visit the states in approximately 3 months time. Fingers crossed 🤞

OP posts:
TheChineseChicken · 01/02/2018 06:43

I really hope so! Please come back and let us know

Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.

Join Mumsnet Log In

This thread is closed and is no longer accepting replies. Click here to start a new thread.