J1 with 1 criminal conviction

sideways mary

Hi everyone,

Had a thread up here a while ago about my criminal conviction, anyway im in 4th year in college and am very interested in going on a J1 to America this summer. Have had good jobs over the years and am doing well in college. However one night 3 years ago i did something stupid, no need to go into it again but i was arrested and brought to court and convicted and fined 250euro for a minor theft offence when i was hammered drunk. I have appealed the decision in lieu of a warning and donation to the poor box or something and am waiting to be called back to the circuit court. I haven't been in any hassle with the guards since.

Anyway just wondering how i would go about seeing if i could possibly get a J1 for the summer to america? Just wondering who i would ask or what to do to see if i'd be able to go. Its been the biggest regret of my life so far and would do anything to get rid of the conviction but what can you do.

Thanks for the help.

Cathal O

Unfortunately, the amount of applications for a J1 in America is so high that they American Embassy is looking for any reason not to let you into the country. Reasons such as a belief you will not return home after your J1 expires , not having enough money in your bank account and others have been said to refuse entry to america through the J1. Sorry for you but any criminal prosecution will rarely allow you enter the US on J1, no matter how trivial, However if you have only received one adult warning in your life, that may not affect your chances.

All in All ....any adult criminal prosecution will mean you wont be able to go on J1 ..sorry

coylemj

Are you sure you're telling us all the facts? 250 euros was a pretty hefty fine for a first conviction if it was a 'minor theft offence'.

Most people with no criminal records get the Probation Act for minor theft offences.

sideways mary

Yeah that is all the facts, it was a minor drunken theft offence, they said in court i had no previous convictions etc.. my solicitor said i was very hard done by, hence the appeal. I know it might be unlikely that I will get granted a visa for a J1 but i'd just like to know how i would go about finding out this for myself? Get onto the American Embassy? Ask the Guards? I'm just not really sure, at least if i apply and get refused I'll know where I stand instead of not knowing. Thanks

Reloc8

coylemj wrote: »

Are you sure you're telling us all the facts? 250 euros was a pretty hefty fine for a first conviction if it was a 'minor theft offence'.

Most people with no criminal records get the Probation Act for minor theft offences.

No it wasn't, where a judge has decided to convict.

The harshness if any in the case arises from the fact that a conviction was imposed. The fine is very much on the low side.

And in any event he's already been interrogated about the incident here http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056140239

syd barrett

Howareya, I hope this isnt too late

I have a criminal record for possesion of cannabis and was granted a holiday visa last year, and granted the j1 this year, however i got into bother at weekend and hopefully il still be ok, i got my conviction almost 8 years ago, if yer honest about it ya gotta try it

yarg1

what sort of stuff did you have to present fot the J1 ?

dr41

syd barrett wrote: »

Howareya, I hope this isnt too late

I have a criminal record for possesion of cannabis and was granted a holiday visa last year, and granted the j1 this year, however i got into bother at weekend and hopefully il still be ok, i got my conviction almost 8 years ago, if yer honest about it ya gotta try it

If you dont mind me asking what was your conviction for? i have a conviction and i want t travel also. and was it given by an Irish court.?

MagicSean

Are you the guy who stole someone's handbag because you thought it would be funny to wear it home?

barry-s

syd barrett wrote: »

Howareya, I hope this isnt too late

I have a criminal record for possesion of cannabis and was granted a holiday visa last year, and granted the j1 this year, however i got into bother at weekend and hopefully il still be ok, i got my conviction almost 8 years ago, if yer honest about it ya gotta try it

I have a very similar story, possession of cannabis from 8 years ago. But 3 years ago I was also put off the road for drink driving for a year. I'm a right fella altogether.... What do you reckon my chances of getting a J1 are? I've never been to the states before and haven't applied or tried.

Also, I'm studying optometry in the UK and the governing body (who are extremely strict due to working with children and the elderly etc.) have deemed me fit to practice. Would that stand to me at all?

Beir Bua

Ask yourself this, if you put down on your form that you had no criminal convictions, how would the Americans find out otherwise?


BB

barry-s

Beir Bua wrote: »

Ask yourself this, if you put down on your form that you had no criminal convictions, how would the Americans find out otherwise?


BB

I had thought the same, but not after reading this:
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=63113190

Beir Bua

barry-s wrote: »

I had thought the same, but not after reading this:
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=63113190

I wouldn't suggest that someone should lie on their form of course, there are horror stories, but the Americans cannot access your criminal record so they are taking you at your word. I know a number of people who are on J1s atm with criminal records, I must ask them how they managed it...


BB

barry-s

Please do. I'd be very interested to know. It would appear from that other thread that they can access it though.