career at sea with a criminal record

[Unregistered]

As the title suggests I have a criminal record. It's all spent and happened along time ago when I was younger though I know it doesn't make make much of a difference!

I've read around here a bit and realise this would probably stop me from getting a US visa.

But how likely is it that you would get on a cadetship with a criminal record? I'm thinking you probably wouldn't get past the application stage. Any thoughts?

From what I understand the RFA only want to know about unspent convictions. Would this be the only company worth applying to?

Has anybody got any experience of this or know of anybody thats actually declared a criminal record to any of the companies?

[mak]

There was somebody on my course who had a criminal record, he managed to get a cadetship and a US visa without too much problem. In fact AFAICR the US visa was more trouble, he had to go for a second interview and explain the situation in greater depth. I think it also depends on the type of conviction re. the visa.

[Ducki52]

If its spent you don't have to declare to your employer, however the good ole US of A does not recognise spent convictions, and as such would require you to tell them that you have been convicted.

Theres a few guys on my course with convictions, such as assault, drink driving etc who have got US visas, as it seems to be only crimes of 'moral turpitude' that would get you excluded.

but as far as getting a cadetship goes, spent convictions shouldn't bar you, however I know maersk make it a condition of employment that you must have a US Visa.

[Unregistered]

you just need to find a company that predominantly operates outside the US. Eg North Sea. Or at least a company that doesn't require a mandatory us visa. What were the convictions? (cautions/convictions? fighting/drugs etc) Drugs are a difficult one if it was a few years ago the embassy will offer you a drug and alcohol test and you should be fine (provided you havent dabbled recently) but it's not easy or cheap! I know cadets that didn't declare their record to the embassy and got away with it. If they are alcohol related convictions just make sure you tell them that they weren't or they will make it very hard to get in. I have a record but don't need a visa and I know many other cadets that do have obtained visas.

[Unregistered]

and if they are "spent" as in you were under 18 you will be fine don't declare them

[Hatchorder]

I think you will also find that drugs related offenses will probably get you a "no" from the good 'ole USA!

[Unregistered]

Thanks for all of the replies everyone.

you just need to find a company that predominantly operates outside the US. Eg North Sea. Or at least a company that doesn't require a mandatory us visa. What were the convictions? (cautions/convictions? fighting/drugs etc) Drugs are a difficult one if it was a few years ago the embassy will offer you a drug and alcohol test and you should be fine (provided you havent dabbled recently) but it's not easy or cheap! I know cadets that didn't declare their record to the embassy and got away with it. If they are alcohol related convictions just make sure you tell them that they weren't or they will make it very hard to get in. I have a record but don't need a visa and I know many other cadets that do have obtained visas.

Well a couple of possesion of cannabis, theft/burglry, drunk and disorderly, criminal damage. Not exactly the cleanest of records.

Can anyone tell me any companies that do not require a visa?

[Unregistered]

Thanks for all of the replies everyone.





Well a couple of possesion of cannabis, theft/burglry, drunk and disorderly, criminal damage. Not exactly the cleanest of records.

Can anyone tell me any companies that do not require a visa?

offshore. Speak to sstg/clyde

[Benc94]

I have a police caution That has came under criminal damage under 5000 pound more like 14 pound but never the less i was taken into the station sat in a cell for a few hours released on bail but then because of previous good character and behavior this being my first ever offence and naughty involvement with the law they got me in to sign an acceptable behavior agreement, they had two lined up for me one was a 12 month one other being a 6 week one and me being the lad i am turned up shirt, tie suited and booted etc when all the other little yobs were wearing there finest umbros, so i automatically made a good impression and signed the 6 week order.

few weeks later i had the police knock on my door at stupid O'clock to take me in as i only needed cautioned so i did not have to answer bail.

This caution being for criminal damage after removing a couple of ariels from motor vehicles on the way home from a hefty night out.

To better myself and assure this out of character misshap does not happen again I rarely drink and if i do i leave money in the house for a taxi, with this came the learning of what drinking in moderation is!
Learnt my lesson but do you think the embassy would think this.

I'm a genuine good kids stayed out of trouble in school stayed away from drugs study at college with 100% attendance etc

How badly do you think this will affect thhe obtaining of a us visa

cheers

[Ducki52]

The crafty thing about the US Embassy is that they will not give out specific visa advice over their extortionately priced (<?1.20/min) telephone line, but instead make you or your company spend the full $160 for a visa appointment so that they can disappoint you in person instead.

With just a caution I would imagine you would get a visa, there was a guy i know who got a visa with common assault and a drunkeness based conviction. Just plead the whole youthful ignorance thing. Oh, and don't forget you'll need to apply to ACRO for a certificate so that the embassy knows exactly how naughty you've been. As you can imagine, this will also cost you.

[Benc94]

Thanks ducki!

I've emailed my local police station asking about that certificate.
I really hope i dont end up like banned from the us haha!
I've seen stories of people being barred access for life :S
But i'm going to have a look and save up!
it was all youthful ignorance it happened on the way home from a night out but i was not done for drunk and disorderly or anything just cautioned on criminal damage to the cost of like 14 quid.
kicking myself for it as it was an out of character idiotic doing. best prepare my speech for the embassy :O

[Clanky]

I think that even possession charges do not bar you from a US visa, I know someone who was done for distribution (ridiculously) and was barred from a US visa, but even then it seemed to be a close call, although from the list that you gave then there may be just too many there which could go against you.

As has been said above most companies do not require you to declare spent convictions so you should be OK as far as getting a cadetship goes, but you would be better sticking to companies which don't require a US visa. Once you have qualified and can show a few years of keeping your nose clean and some professional qualifications then you might have more luck with the visa.

[Clanky]

@ Ben, I am pretty certain that you will be fine.

[Benc94]

I thought you were talking to me at first there i nearly cried a little bit haha just seen the price for ACRO cert. 45 quid :O but i guess what has to be done has to be done, the police officer that arrested me and dealt with my case said it should not stop me getting into any armed force or getting a us visa / waiver so yea hopefully i'll be fine but its going to be bloody expensive especially having to go to london

[Benc94]

I am also unsure why HR at Maersk keep telling me i should go and get one sorted before i have even been offered an interview if i get one apparently my application is on hold but i'm getting abit fed up with maersk because my application was denied at first :S