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Applying for Student Visa F I-20 with a criminal record

Last activity 03 April 2017 by twostep

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SAMPYYY

Hi all,

I Would really appreciate any advice or information any one can offer me, first of all I am 19 years old, I graduated from a high school in England, I spent my gap year in my native Hong Kong applying to several American art universities, earlier this month I was accepted by 3 of them (Calarts, UARTS with scholarship and Parsons with scholarship), the problem is, I will have a criminal record.

I committed soft theft near the end of last year, I was given a bind over agreement (meaning that my record will be erased and there will be no charge as long as I abide by the law for a period of 9 months), but I was recently caught in possession of a small amount of cocaine (yea it was stupid), the case of the latter offense has yet to be closed and I am yet to know what will happen to me, my record or my potential sentence.

I'm applying for a F I-20 student visa and I am told that any drug related offense will result in denial of my visa, is there anything that I can do about this? I can provide more information about my situation if needed, any help would be greatly appreciated on what to do, who to contact, research to carry out.

Thanks in advance

Fred

https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/visa-wai … uirements/

A mate in the UK had a 20 year old minor fraud conviction and got in after a sweaty interview.
A newish drugs case is likely to be a lot more difficult.

twostep

If I read this correctly you are a) on probation for theft and b) in limbo about a possession charge; it being coke there may be a paraphernalia charge as well.

Sealing records or expunging has little to no impact. Read the questions on the application. It is not likely that a waiver will be granted at this time.

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