getting a visa to the US with a juvenile record.

[boxboyuk]

Hi there,

im looking for a bit of help, im meant to be going to the US soon and i have a juvenile record for fighting when i was 16 in 2002....im now 29 and not been in "bother" since but wondered if any of you guys knew if i need to apply for a full visa or will i be ok on a waver?

i have sent the US embassy a email but heard nothing back as of yet, so thought i might try my luck on here.

Any help would be great!

Thanks!

[keekybreeks]

they have no way of checking unless they pull you over and formally request info from the UK coppery

you didnt actually put your name or detials on the mail did you ?

[Loz]

From the US Embassy site:

We do not recommend that travelers who have been arrested at anytime attempt to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program(VWP); they are required to apply for visas before traveling. If the arrest resulted in a conviction, the individual may require a special restricted visa in order to travel. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act does not apply to United States visa law. Therefore, even travelers with a spent conviction are not eligible to travel visa free; they must apply for B-1 or B-2 visas. If they attempt to travel under the VWP, they may be refused entry into the United States.

[JohnL]

It's changed - so something like drunk and disorderly would not count - separate question about drugs which are a no no.

it's not moral turpitude any more (which was confusing)

?Have you ever been arrested or convicted for a crime that resulted in serious damage to property,or serious harm to another person or government authority??

http://www.usvisalawyers.co.uk/article6.htm

[keekybreeks]

They do not have access to the filth files.

Under the VWP, an Offence of a certian magnituide carried when you were under the age of 16 and sorta minor can be discounted- look at the regs

its your call whether you go along for the visa and the associated costs or wing it

[steveo]

Isn't it 'juvie' in the US?

[boxboyuk]

Cheers for the reply guys! and for the info! im leaning towards winging it at the mo! but not sure if its wise! argh im stuck!