Visa wait time - after interview.

[187nj]

Hello there.

Does anyone know how long it takes for the M1 visa to land on my door step after the interview at the US embassy in London? Some say two weeks, others four.

My app is 11th March and I was hoping to get out to Cali for my PPL training on 4th April - Is this a realistic time plan?

Many thanks.

187.

[mcgoo]

Ive had two now, both arrived in about 3/4 working days after the embassy visit.

[187nj]

Mcgoo.

Thanks man. I appreciate you replying.

Take care..... in the air,

187.

[coodem]

I too have done it twice, 1st time 3 working days, 2nd time got it the very next day

[187nj]

Do you guys know how the US Embassy treat people that have been arrested?

I was arrested about 3 years ago for writing on a wall outside a pub (It was my birthday and I was drunk). It went to court and I was convicted and fined £120 for 'damage to property.'

Will the US Embassy grant me an M1 Visa still? I ask because I'd like to book my flights to Cali as soon as.

187.

[EvilKitty]

Did you lie on the DS-156?
Have you lied on any previous entry to the US about your conviction? For instance, have you entered the US on the VWP since your conviction and said you haven't been arrested/convicted?

Either of those two things are big no-no's and may result in you not being elegible for a visa.

When you phone to book the interview they will ask you if you have any convictions, they may be able to give you an idea then of how long it will take to process the visa. They will also tell you during the interview of you need any additional processing. You can also call the help line for advice on the visa application.

Basically, don't finalise any bookings until after you have the visa back!

[chrisbl]

could be next day.

[187nj]

Evilkitty,

Thanks for the advice.

What is a DS-156 form?

My dad called up the USE for me and booked my app as I didn't have a mastercard or visa.

[EvilKitty]

I'm assuming you're applying in the UK and going to the US Embassy in London, or one of the satellite consulates.

Go to http://uk.usembassy.gov/cons_new/visa/niv/students.html, read and follow the instructions!

DS-156 is the non-immigration visa application form. You will also need to fill in the Contact Information and Work History form DS-158. Don't forget that you will need your SEVIS receipt for the interview as well.

You'll also need to present a copy of your police record at the interview (http://uk.usembassy.gov/cons_new/visa/niv/add_crime.html)

For a good overview of whats involved also have a read of BackPackers excellent brief in the Private Flying forum (http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=278995)

[187nj]

do anyone know if having a minor conviction will delay the visa process?

Will I still be allowed to train in the states even though I was convicted?

A worried man,

187.

[EvilKitty]

The problem is that no one knows the details of your conviction, and even if we did, we're not consular/immigration officers, so cannot definitively say yay or nay.

Certainly there may be a delay in the processing of the visa (as there may be with any visa application) depending on what further checks they feel are necessary. You will be told during the interview either if you are ineligable, why, and what happens next; or how long the processing may take.

Make sure you have ALL the paperwork that is asked for before you go to the interview otherwise you will need to reschedule another one (and pay the MVR fee again). Make sure you get US State Department photos (standard UK passport photos are the wrong size).

Remember you will need to wait up to 10 working days for the police certificate (unless you pay for the premium service in which case its about 2 working days) before you can go for the interview (you may have time to get it before the interview if its already booked).

Beyond that it depends on how the consular officer views your conviction in light of US immigration law. But even if you are found to be permanently ineligable excluded from the US, you may be able to get a waiver. All the details are at http://uk.usembassy.gov/cons_new/visa/niv/add_crime.html. I suggest you read that page, and all the other pages on the site about non-immigration visas - then have a look at www.state.gov (http://www.state.gov) and www.uscis.gov (http://www.uscis.gov) if you want to dig deeper.

Thats probably as much help as anyone here can (or is qualified) to give. An US immigration lawyer may be able to give better advice pertaining to your exact situation. (not sure if any lurk here though)

[Hufty]

Just as an aside, I don't know if you are intending to pursue this beyond PPL level but if you intend flying for a living, you might want to see what the effect will be on your ability to hold an airside pass. They do a criminal record check for that too....

Good luck though....

[TelBoy]

Just another point. The form you fill in for an FAA medical also asks about any criminal convictions. I think however they pay particular attention to drink and drug crime and also drunk driving - seems logical for flying really.

Don't let it get you down though, present yourself at your best, admit your wrongs and what you have done to overcome it and sell yourself to the interviewer. Knowing something about the US might also help, but I cannot say for sure as I have not been down that road myself.

All best