Is there any way to verify that I will be allowed to enter US with my travel visa?
Few years ago I have applied for a US visa. I wanted to go there for a weekend with friends or for vacation. It didn't work out, some years have passed and recently I have convicted a felony (nothing special, nothing criminal, but it stays in my "papers"). I'm in a position where I could go there for a weekend, but I am too afraid of going to be put on the plane back during visa check or whatever. Is there any way I could verify if I can still get there for a weekend trip?
Best Answer
You have a valid US visa, but you are concerned that you may have become inadmissible since the visa was issued. You would like to have a better sense of whether you will be allowed into the US.
As other answers have noted, there is no way to guarantee that you will be admitted. An immigration officer at the border can always deny admission. But there are some things you can do to reduce the probability of being denied admission at the border.
1. Learn the rules
Evaluate yourself against the statutory grounds of inadmissibility, which are set forth at 8 USC 1182. You are concerned about criminal grounds of inadmissibility, so you should look at section (a)(2). There you will find that grounds of inadmissibility include "crimes involving moral turpitude" (CIMTs). An internet search indicates that CIMTs include fraud, and a "tax related" conviction such as yours certainly could have involved fraud. Nonetheless, there is an exception if there is only one conviction and the maximum sentence you faced was one year imprisonment or less and your actual sentence was six months imprisonment or less. If your conviction does trigger this section, you can apply for a waiver under sections (a)(2)(F) and (h).
2. Consider using preclearance
Travel to the US through an airport with preclearance facilities. This reduces the severity of the consequences of a denial of admission.
3. Apply for a new visa
Apply for a new visa, revealing the details of your conviction. Your admissibility will be evaluated by the visa officer. While the immigration officer will still make a second determination of admissibility at the border, the determination is unlikely to be different from the visa officer's.
None of these suggestions is actually necessary, and none will guarantee that you will get into the US, but they may give you some peace of mind.
Pictures about "Is there any way to verify that I will be allowed to enter US with my travel visa?"
How do I get permission to enter the US?
File your Form I-192, Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant, with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) before the date you intend to travel to the United States. You can now file your application electronically on the CBP's Electronic Secured Adjudication Forms Environment (e-SAFE) page.Can you be denied entry to USA with a visa?
The truth is, is that no one is guaranteed entry to the US, even citizens. Even if you have the correct documentation, visas, or legal status, you could still be denied entry to the US so being prepared for the worst is the best thing to do.Can I be denied entry to the US?
If you are a non-citizen visa holder or visitor, you may be denied entry into the United States if you refuse to answer officers' questions. Officers may not select you for questioning based on your religion, race, national origin, gender, ethnicity, or political beliefs.Do I need permission to enter the US?
All travelers entering the United States from all other countries need a passport upon arrival (regardless of their country of citizenship). Permanent residents and foreign nationals may also need a U.S. visa. You must apply for a visa before you start your trip.Five Mistakes NOT to Make at your Immigration Interview
More answers regarding is there any way to verify that I will be allowed to enter US with my travel visa?
Answer 2
You really could not know until you get there. Too many variables in the game.
Answer 3
No.
Even if you have a visa, it is up to border officials to decide whether to let you in or not. A visa does not guarantee they will let you in.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Enric Cruz López, Charles Parker, Tim Samuel, Josh Sorenson