UK Drink Driving Conviction and USA Visa Application

[Unregistered]

Hi

Would a drink drive conviction and 1 yr ban that happened many moons ago affect the probability of obtaining a US Visa?

And do I need to declare it to all parties? USA and Training Company?

[Clanky]

Tricky one.

My personal view is that it wouldn't have any effect on the visa application, however, there doesn't seem to be any rhyme nor reason to what does and doesn't affect them so you never know.

Normally any application will specify what convictions you have to declare, I'm pretty sure that convictions become "spent" after a while and don't need to be declared, if you google the rehabilitation of offenders act I think the info is there. This should apply to what you need to declare to your potential employer, but may not apply to US visa application.

[YoungMariner]

You could encounter some problems; check this out: http://www.usvisalawyers.co.uk/article17.html

You will likely have to declare it to your potential employer, and it is up to the employer how they decide to proceed. It will also appear in an enhanced disclosure if the employer was to do a comprehensive background check (not common, but some employers do this). Some employers may probe you on the conviction, to determine whether you may be a liability on board in relation to alcohol. If you are up against other good candidates it may be the deciding factor between you and someone else.

You know the facts, so go in with your eyes open and appreciate that this silly mistake in your past will without a doubt impact on your future career, but there is still a chance that you could succeed.

[Unregistered]

Appreciated

Thank you both for your in depth responses.

Much appreciated.

[alistairuk]

Normally any application will specify what convictions you have to declare, I'm pretty sure that convictions become "spent" after a while and don't need to be declared, if you google the rehabilitation of offenders act I think the info is there. This should apply to what you need to declare to your potential employer, but may not apply to US visa application.

US require you to declare any conviction, including those deemed spent under UK law.

[Unregistered]

Im intersted in joining the Merchant Navy in September but a possible Assault convition in Spain

US require you to declare any conviction, including those deemed spent under UK law.

I am also thinking of joining the merchant navy in September if my interviews go well, however I was involved in an argument that led me to be arrested in Spain last Summer.

The point is.....

I was arrested, they photographed me and took prints and I spent a night in the cells....then released. I didnt at any point assault anyone.

The case is still pending, however I dont think much will come of it as there is no evidence.....

Will USA look at Spanish arrests also as a uk domicile looking for a visa?

[HolyNougat]

You all need to be really careful about what you put down on a US visa application - these guys do not have a sense of humor and once they deny it, you are pretty much done for ever getting one.

[JonathanI]

I would declare everything and anything as if they find out that you never declared anything and you are in the USA at the time they will arrest you and deport you back to the UK. Had a guy in the engineer class that got rejected by the embassy then he went back a few weeks later and the got the visa no problems.

[GuinnessMan]

US require you to declare any conviction, including those deemed spent under UK law.

It's not convictions, it's arrests I thought?

[geordie dancer]

You should declare it and allow the US authorities to make their own decision.

However, as I understand it, undeclared minor offences normally slip through the net because the UK Government doesn't share details of minor offences with the US Embassy. Of course, I'm not saying you should not declare it, just that I would wager that you'd probably get away with it.

Also, if you don't and you do get caught out, bad luck. 'Because a man on the Internet told me so' won't help you.

[GuinnessMan]

Also, if you don't and you do get caught out, bad luck. 'Because a man on the Internet told me so' won't help you.

Just to point out that not declaring it and being caught is considered to be a federal offence in the US. The US authorities get all uppity over lying on federal documents....

[barearsealona]

During my interview for my cadetship i was asked if i had any convictions in which i had said no but declaring i once got a fine for not wearing a seatbelt which i duly paid and was assured it wouldn't get classed as a crime on my record as i paid it. This caused major problems apparently and my offer was subject to me getting disclosure Scotland reports. I can remember the training officer saying this was due to obtaining my American Visa. Nothing was mentioned when i got my Visa but if it asks for Unspent or Spent criminal convictions i don't think you will have any bother tbh.

[Inland Pirate]

Well, I have to confirm from my uncle who is a reputed Los Angeles DUI lawyer whether a year-old charges will affect your visa or not. This is one serious offence that can spoil a person and his family?s life. These charges are huge and if you don?t take help of a reputed lawyer then one may end up in prison for months.

Mhmm.

[endure]

https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/ineligibilities-and-waivers-2/arrest-caution-conviction/