Visa hassles – live and learn (by Barry)
Some of you may remember the hassles I had in obtaining a visa. Normally Australians are covered by the Visa Waiver Program but due to my police record, dating back to participation on demonstrations more than 30 years ago, I had to obtain a visa. It was very time-consuming and costly (around $900, I reckon). Anyway, I’m writing this for the benefit of others. It was always an option for me to deny that I had the record and to take my chances that they wouldn’t know. I didn’t opt for this because I’m basically an honest person. However, I also now know that I did not necessarily need to obtain the visa or, perhaps I should say, that I could have legally entered the US without it.
Here’s how it works. When you’re on the plane, they give all passengers a green card to complete and sign, issued by the US Homeland Security Department. The card has questions similar to those on the visa application form but the wording is different and much more flexible. Whereas the visa application form says you need a visa if you’ve ever been convicted of an offence, no matter when, the Homeland Security card asks:
“Have you ever been arrested or convicted for an offence or crime involving moral turpitude or a violation related to a controlled substance; or been arrested or convicted for two or more offenses for which the aggregate sentence to confinement was five years or more?”
I could have honestly answered this with “NO”.
C’est la vie,
Barry
Tags: Travel
canberrians
Mmmmm frustrating. Are you going to raise the matter with the American Embassy re: inconsistency? Nice to know that you have, at least, done the right things – with no further hassles ahead (hopefully). That’s the best bit. Loving reading your blog – can you download photos yet? Is your general impression of LA favourable?
Love from Jen and Sam
I noticed it says I am writing my response at 4.28pm. It is actually 7.29am here!
Jen
Bummer Barry, after all you went through to get that visa you must have been just a little peeved. Sounds like you are all still catching up with sleep and sorting out your body clocks. It’s Friday afternoon here so I guess you must all be getting ready to move on to NY pretty soon. Hope the trip goes well and you like the Travel Inn Hotel as much as the Magic Castle. I guess it will be colder there.
Lotsaluv
Leslie (& Ken – the slacker – sends his love)
TB (you know who I’m talking about … his main life principle is to “play it by ear”) got away with answering “no”, despite having a more recent “transgression” (shall we say..) on his record…
Another friend of mine (make a guess!!) answered “yes” to the famous “have you ever been a C…? question (which no longer exists on US visa applications). That person (who also believes that honesty is generally the best policy in these matters) eventually got a visa, but only after a long delay.
VISA VISA VISA VISA oh how i loath you.