VISA Waiver Program to USA

[blueflamenco]

For all my arrivals this year I have only gotten as far as the first set of finger scans then told to stop.No thumbs, pics at all. No complaints, speeds up the process but wondering how long the scans and photo from last year's entry's are valid for?, is there is a exact time frame?

Who knows. For me it has certainly been more than a year. I have had the same experience everywhere except land borders.

 

[serfty]

For all my arrivals this year I have only gotten as far as the first set of finger scans then told to stop.No thumbs, pics at all. No complaints, speeds up the process but wondering how long the scans and photo from last year's entry's are valid for?, is there is a exact time frame?

Same here, however they have still wanted both hands of SWMBO when travelling with her.

I am guessing my 2 - 4 trips to the USA per year have triggered some alternate level processing.

 

[dfcatch]

Same here, however they have still wanted both hands of SWMBO when travelling with her.

I am guessing my 2 - 4 trips to the USA per year have triggered some alternate level processing.

I agree with this too. I think as soon as they confirm that they have the latest set of whatever they want (prints/pic), and they confirm it's you, it seems to be enough.

 

[straitman]

I agree with this too. I think as soon as they confirm that they have the latest set of whatever they want (prints/pic), and they confirm it's you, it seems to be enough.

I'm guessing that when we go to HNL in Nov we will get the full treatment as we have new passports and have not been to the LOTFAP for about 13 months.

 

[wayne123]

hi
can someone please tell me if U.S authorities have access to criminal records in australia??
i am travelling to U.S in 3 weeks and have a criminal conviction, no imprisonment, was convicted and released on good behaviour bond which have now expired.
If i travel under the VWP will this be ok?
So stressed out as we are travelling with 4 other people and dont want to be held back but its a bit too late to apply for visa now isnt it?
What are the chances of U.S authorities accessing my criminal record when trying to clear customs?

 

[kpc]

For all my arrivals this year I have only gotten as far as the first set of finger scans then told to stop.No thumbs, pics at all. No complaints, speeds up the process but wondering how long the scans and photo from last year's entry's are valid for?, is there is a exact time frame?

I've wondered about this as well. On a recent transit via Lax en route to YVR, we both had all 10 digits scanned. On return a week later, I only had 4 digits scanned but my +1 had all her 10 digits scanned again:shock: Really confused....

 

[serfty]

...
i am travelling to U.S in 3 weeks and have a criminal conviction, no imprisonment, was convicted and released on good behaviour bond which have now expired. ...

If you received a "good behavior bond" you were not convicted. You were certainly found (or plead) guilty.

...
If i travel under the VWP will this be ok? ...

Not according to USA regulation.

... So stressed out as we are travelling with 4 other people and dont want to be held back but its a bit too late to apply for visa now isnt it?
What are the chances of U.S authorities accessing my criminal record when trying to clear customs?

If your bond was more than 10 years, you have had no further arrests/charges/convictions and your prior was not of a sexual nature then your conviction would certainly be spent or passed and it would be illegal for an Australian authority to pass on information regarding your bond to any other entity, including the USA government.

If not then your goose may be cooked as it generally takes more than 4 weeks to apply for a Visa with said bond in your past.

Have you submitted an ESTA? If so, was it approved?

 

[wayne123]

Yes I have applied for esta it was approved cos I answered no to the question abt have u ever been convicted or arrested question..
U think this will be ok??
The u.s authorities at customs don't have access to my crim record right as said in previous posts..

 

[cazzy160344]

Hi all!

New to this forum and was looking for a bit of information for my trip to USA in December

I'm applying for the VWP and I've read about it on the official websites but I was wondering if someone could tell me (from experience), exactly what happens at the point of entry?

I've read about having to answer a few questions and having my fingerprint done etc...but my question is, how do I know exactly what to do once I land in the US? Will they know I'm traveling on a VWP automatically? Is there somewhere I need to go after I collect my luggage to have all the questions/fingerprint done?

The only reason I'm worried is it's the first time I'll be traveling alone and want to know what to expect.

Cheers!

 

[serfty]

Your travel will be on their computers.

You do need to submit an ESTA online before you travel. That will cost you USD14, but lasts for 2 years (for multiple 90 day entries).

U.S. Customs and Border Protection - Travel

ESTA fee begins September 8, 2010

 

[Prof Henry]

I somehow overlooked the need for this -- -- and have just scooted through the online application. The problem is that I am travelling a few hours short of the 72 hour minimum.

My (Australian) passport is a July 2005 model (ie , no chips or biometrics). Can anyone advise:

1. If there is any way I can speed up the process?
2. What do I do if it doesn't come through before departure?

My first entry to US is a (short) transit-only to YVR.

 

[straitman]

I somehow overlooked the need for this -- -- and have just scooted through the online application. The problem is that I am travelling a few hours short of the 72 hour minimum.

My (Australian) passport is a July 2005 model (ie , no chips or biometrics). Can anyone advise:

1. If there is any way I can speed up the process?
2. What do I do if it doesn't come through before departure?

My first entry to US is a (short) transit-only to YVR.

Are you sure the approval did not come through at the time of application as this seems to be the norm?
Others who have had to wait may have an idea of return time but each one I have been involved with have been instantaneous.




Sent from my iPhone using AFF Mobile

 

[Prof Henry]

Are you sure the approval did not come through at the time of application as this seems to be the norm?
Others who have had to wait may have an idea of return time but each one I have been involved with have been instantaneous

.
Thanks for your quick reply. This is interesting -- I got an instant Authorisation Pending message. "Your travel authorisation is under review because an immediate determination could not be made for your application. This response does not indicate negative findings. A determination will be available within 72 hours."

I just checked back now and find that it has come through. 4 hours on a Sunday afternoon - not bad.

 

[straitman]

Excellent news.

It's good to see the system works.

 

[Aimee85]

Tell me about your experience with th US Visa application.

I'm really sorry if this has been done before but I've only just come across this website and can't seem to work out how to search, so please be patient with me.

My problem is my husband has a criminal record (recent, from about a year ago) for a non moral turpitude crime but because it's so recent we have decided to go the honest route and apply for a VISA. We will just be visiting the USA for 3 weeks in Sept 2011 with our 2 kids, and going to LA for a week and Disney World in Florida for 2 weeks.

I would like to hear from anyone who has actually had their VISA application approved. I guess I'm just hoping someone can put my nerves at ease.

Thanks

Amber.

 

[NM]

Re: Tell me about your experience with th US Visa application.

I'm really sorry if this has been done before but I've only just come across this website and can't seem to work out how to search, so please be patient with me.

My problem is my husband has a criminal record (recent, from about a year ago) for a non moral turpitude crime but because it's so recent we have decided to go the honest route and apply for a VISA. We will just be visiting the USA for 3 weeks in Sept 2011 with our 2 kids, and going to LA for a week and Disney World in Florida for 2 weeks.

I would like to hear from anyone who has actually had their VISA application approved. I guess I'm just hoping someone can put my nerves at ease.

Thanks

Amber.

Amber, welcome to AFF. I am going to move your post to the combined USA Visa Waiver Program thread where you find many posts relevant to your situation.

 

[Maca44]

Re: Tell me about your experience with th US Visa application.

I'm really sorry if this has been done before but I've only just come across this website and can't seem to work out how to search, so please be patient with me.

My problem is my husband has a criminal record (recent, from about a year ago) for a non moral turpitude crime but because it's so recent we have decided to go the honest route and apply for a VISA. We will just be visiting the USA for 3 weeks in Sept 2011 with our 2 kids, and going to LA for a week and Disney World in Florida for 2 weeks.

I would like to hear from anyone who has actually had their VISA application approved. I guess I'm just hoping someone can put my nerves at ease.

Thanks

Amber.

Welcome to AFF.
With it being less than 12 months prior to travel I assume you have booked your flights to coincide with the September school holidays, but many on this forum have gone through the same process and have had no problems. In saying that, some have and it appears to depend on the particular criminal offence your husband has been charged with. If you read this thread you will get info on the best way to go about it, but you should apply asap, obtain a criminal record check from the Police (and there is apparently two checks available so you apply for the visa one). Do not be distressed when his initial Visa application is denied and it is sent for review, as this is the normal process. Just be honest with his answers.

 

[HBOsalesonline]

Hello all.... rather than discussing hear say and all these presumptions... IS THERE ANYONE THAT HAS ACTUALLY GOT A CRIMINAL RECORD THAT HAS ANSWERED NO TO THE MAIN CRIMINAL CHECK QUESTION AND VISITED THE USA AND MADE IT THROUGH ON ESTA???

I need to know as I have paid for a ticket and leave next wednesday for LAX.. I have a previous arrest for Drug possession (48 Ecstasy Pill) of which I was NOT convicted and no more than a fine to pay. its been 8 years since it happened. Since than I have had a conviction for damaging property (car mirror), excessive speed (65km in a 15km zone), drunk in a public place...

Nothing too serious i.e. rape, theft, etc

I have ticked no record on the waiver app and got approved within 2-3 miniutes.. I have booked and paid for my trip and am travelling alone. I have printed out all my paperwork of travel, ESTA form, etc and hope to make it through (emergency trip for business).

I will although return to this forum and give you guys the word on my possible fate and outcome. Any info if anyone in similar situation would be much appreciated!

thanks and good luck!

 

[The Rok]

48 Ecstasy Pill
Nothing too serious

Is it just me that finds that ironic!

 

[HBOsalesonline]

Is it just me that finds that ironic!

hahahah sorry that came out wrong... The pills arrest was serious which is why i made it seperate, but all things after were not serious in terms of charges etc

I am not too sure how the system works at LAX but there seems to be a lot of people making it through and some saying there is no hope.. I guess time will tell!