Way to Russia Talk Lounge

Joann · Just Starting Joined: 30 Jul 2009 Posts: 8

I am working on my U.S. Visa application. Will I be denied if I answer yes to having ever been arrested or convicted? I got a DUI a couple of months ago, haven't been convicted yet, but don't want to lie about the arrest. Is it best to tell the truth ... I just need to know if anyone knows if you are automatically denied a visa for having ever been arrested.

Thanks

gaijin · Lounge Lizard Joined: 03 Oct 2007 Posts: 155

If you have any plan at all to move to the USA in the future, a lie could bring problems (not very likely but possible).
If you're sure you'll never move there, you can say no and avoid the hassle.
If you say yes of course it doesn't mean that your application will be rejected, but they will ask to see you to answer some questions, they'll probably ask for the documents about that incident...
My guess would be : say yes and try to avoid the hassle by joining documents about your DUI with a translation.

But btw : this forum is about how to get a visa TO Russia, not a visa IN Russia.

Joann · Just Starting Joined: 30 Jul 2009 Posts: 8

Sorry if I was unclear. I am an American in the United States, working on a obtaining a tourist visa to travel to Russia in October. Do you think I will have a problem with the arrest question here in the US?

gaijin · Lounge Lizard Joined: 03 Oct 2007 Posts: 155

Oh yeah that was very unclear. A US visa is... whatever...
In that case, just lie, don't worry. Do you think they'll send the KGB to break in the local police station and check your file? Hahaha... Just lie and avoid them breaking your balls for nothing.

Joann · Just Starting Joined: 30 Jul 2009 Posts: 8

I guess I was thinking that the U.S. would do a background check on me to see if I was a felon or something, which I'm not, I was just arrested for something stupid. I'm still worried about lying, and then they might do a check and see that I was arrested.

gaijin · Lounge Lizard Joined: 03 Oct 2007 Posts: 155

Problems where you live ? Yeah, when Russia buys your state to refund USA, and sees that you've lied (hey if you live in Alaska, Russia might want it back for 2 million dollars so think about it).
In any other case there is no way that any US administration ever finds out about this lie.

danbrew · Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2009 3:13 pm Post subject:

There are many posts here on WTR on this subject - a simple search would be helpful. My two cents? You've got nothing to worry about.

http://waytorussia.net/search/results.html?cx=001235435800054642067%3Ayu-qmwdgegq&cof=FORID%3A11&q=DUI&sa=Search#1672