Short visit but extensive criminal record possible?

2POSTS

2 years ago

Hello everybody,

So before I get off on the wrong foot here, feel I should quickly mention that although I have a good few convictions, by and large the majority of my charges are quite minor. No drug trafficking or violence or anything like that. Will admit that I have a felony DUI, and another felony which is forgery (technically forged a signature, while printing and reusing the paper plates that the dealer gives you so you have time to register your car, had no idea it was a felony, but still no excuse), and the other couple would just be a weed charge or two (tiny amounts, I think they may have even been dropped for the DUI聽 one of the times) and one petty theft (recent). The DUI was over 15 years ago now, the forgery about 4 years.

I am planning on just coming for a week, at this time, to meet a girl that I've become quite fond of, and have been talking with for a good while now, and we figure it's time we actually meet and see if what we have translates from page to the screen, so to speak, or maybe it should be the other way around... anyways, looking online, I can't seem to find any real solid info on whether or not i'll need an actual Visa - OR if I need to even actually mention these charges?

If at a later date, we were to continue to hit it off and such and say, I were to end up wanting to move over to her, I would of course want to do it all correct and make sure everything is in its proper place...but, does it matter as much if I am just coming for a week? Or does that play no part in my declaration of my crimes?

Ideally was going to be heading there some time this month, when upon further research, things suddenly have gotten a bit more sticky than originally was thinking, as far as being let in to Scotland. I couldn't find the actual thread on here, but聽 I believe in my original research, it was this site that had a similar thread that mentioned something about the UK as a whole, being much harder for felons (I am from America, by the way, should have mentioned!) to get in, than Scotland.

Of course, any input is greatly appreciated, thank you for reading this far if you've made it sorry for the length!

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Cynic UK/Netherlands Expert

8164POSTS

2 years ago

Hi and welcome to the Forum.

Immigration matters in the United Kingdom are not devolved out to the national Governments, so anything Immigration related applies to all member countries (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) alike, there are no special rules for Scotland.

In general, the rule relevant to your question is, "Those seeking permission to enter the UK will normally be refused if they have previously been convicted of a criminal offence punishable by at least 12 months imprisonment."聽 So, it's not what sentence you were given at the time of your appearing in court, but the maximum punishment you could have been given.聽 That said, you read of special cases being given permission.聽 My advice is to speak to a specialist UK immigration lawyer who will be able to advise if your circumstances are such that you may in fact be granted a short-term visitors visa.

I hope this helps.

Cynic

Expat Team

605lilnut Member

2POSTS

2 years ago

@Cynic

Hey Cynic, thanks for the welcome and the answer - although obviously not what I was hoping for, much appreciated regardless! I've one more question for you if you don't mind? And apologies if this is not allowed even, but upon further research (reddit and quora...so..), there is much anecdotal evidence that it isn't all that difficult to simply not declare any serious crimes (as long as no crimes of moral turptitude were committed), and roll the dice at getting by based off of your declarations? Is this possible? It must be somewhat true, although if you can not advise it (im sure you can't), can you let me know if it is a feasible idea whatsoever?

Either way, i thank you again for your time and original answer, has been very helpful!

Cynic UK/Netherlands Expert

8164POSTS

2 years ago

聽聽 @Cynic
Hey Cynic, thanks for the welcome and the answer - although obviously not what I was hoping for, much appreciated regardless! I've one more question for you if you don't mind? And apologies if this is not allowed even, but upon further research (reddit and quora...so..), there is much anecdotal evidence that it isn't all that difficult to simply not declare any serious crimes (as long as no crimes of moral turptitude were committed), and roll the dice at getting by based off of your declarations? Is this possible? It must be somewhat true, although if you can not advise it (im sure you can't), can you let me know if it is a feasible idea whatsoever?

Either way, i thank you again for your time and original answer, has been very helpful!
聽聽

聽聽 -@605lilnut

Hi again.

I would never recommend to anybody that trying to cheat the system was a good idea.聽 The repercussions should you be caught would be instant deportation (the next plane back) and an entry ban on any future attempt to enter the UK.聽 The chances of you being caught are if what you did has ended up flagging you for Immigration attention; one big one is any current warrants issued by any US court.

My advice is the same - speak to an Immigration attorney and do it properly; trying to blag your way through will almost certainly end in tears and should you end up in trouble while in the UK end in instant deportation.

Probably not helped, but I wish you the best of luck in your journey.

Cynic

Expat Team

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