February 2014 filers

[MichelleRenee 14]

It's kind of a tricky situation because we all know how gov't officials can be, and they aren't always understanding! When you went to find out more about it, did they say you were technically arrested? Did the case ever go to trial/did you serve time for it? And did it show up on your police certificate?

If I do not say I forgot..... which is the truth....... how would I explain the omission? (if they as about arrest etc.)

[byrd_75 9]

It's kind of a tricky situation because we all know how gov't officials can be, and they aren't always understanding! When you went to find out more about it, did they say you were technically arrested? Did the case ever go to trial/did you serve time for it? And did it show up on your police certificate?

Yes I went to trial.... it was dismissed.... no it did not show up on my police check.....I work with children, so for the past 10 years I have been doing a Vulnerable Sector Screening each year, which have all also come back without conviction...... lululemon did a background check, for a job last year, and that also came back with no convictions.

It has been archived ..... and took place in 1996.....I was 20...... in 2005 the prints were destroyed but the officer today said if anyone looks, they can see I was fingerprinted and since then the prints have been destroyed .....

[Tina and Johan 206]

So I messed up badly....i just remembered last night after reading reviews that when I was 20 I had gotten into trouble with the police......I completely forgot about this till last night.....i could not remember the details so I went to the police headquarters this morning to see if I was arrested and get details ....... in 96 I got in trouble for shoplifting, the case is now archived and in 2005 my prints were destroyed..... I did put no to arrests in the DS 160.....my questions is will this propose a problem for me on Monday? Should I say I forgot until now? Should I skip the interview and try to reschedule after I get documents from the police proving the case was archived etc.

Any help would be much appreciated

Did you get any kind of print out from the police stating this information? complete honestly is the best policy, and IMHO, I think you should NOT tell them unless they ask, and if they do, you tell them that it was so long ago (18 years!) that you didn't remember it until this weekend when you were preparing for your upcoming interview, and that as soon as you remembered, you went straight to the police to find out what you could about it for when you were asked. I just discussed this with Johan, and he said that the questions he was being asked were straight from the DS160. He was arrested about 15 years ago, and he and I really stewed over what to put on the DS160 since it didn't show up on the police cert, the charges had been dropped, etc. In the end, he clicked, yes, he had been arrested on the DS160, and then he went and got a print out from the police and had it with him, but it wasn't asked for. The interviewer simply asked and he gave the circumstances. In your case, IDK if it's too late to resubmit your DS160, but it's maybe possible. A box appears and you give the circumstances related to the arrest.

[Sail0r 7]

It's a difficult situation because at the interview you have to take the oath to say everything in the paperwork is true ect ect so if you were to take the oath and then they question you about it, I'm sure that would cause problems! Yet on the other hand it may go completely un noticed, and mentioning it may just cause yourself hassle. I'd just be worried about it coming back to bite me in the ### in the future, I know during the AP after the interview your name is run through all the police databases, homeland security stuff ect, so that's the only time it may actually come up? :/

[Tina and Johan 206]

It's a difficult situation because at the interview you have to take the oath to say everything in the paperwork is true ect ect so if you were to take the oath and then they question you about it, I'm sure that would cause problems! Yet on the other hand it may go completely un noticed, and mentioning it may just cause yourself hassle. I'd just be worried about it coming back to bite me in the #### in the future, I know during the AP after the interview your name is run through all the police databases, homeland security stuff ect, so that's the only time it may actually come up? :/

I forgot about the oath. Sailor's right. If you can do it, I'd resubmit the DS160. I wouldn't, however, reschedule the interview. Johan said they can change the information right in the computer while they're asking questions.

[MichelleRenee 14]

Since it's not on your police certificate, I don't see how they would have any knowledge of it so you could be in the clear for the interview and it might not even get brought up. However, like Tina and Sailor mentioned, I would try to get it sorted if you can before you go. It could possibly cause more problems in the future, like if you answer "yes" on another form and they check the DS-160 and see you had "no" written before. The last thing you want them to think is that you're lying to them or hiding information from them.

Yes I went to trial.... it was dismissed.... no it did not show up on my police check.....I work with children, so for the past 10 years I have been doing a Vulnerable Sector Screening each year, which have all also come back without conviction...... lululemon did a background check, for a job last year, and that also came back with no convictions.

It has been archived ..... and took place in 1996.....I was 20...... in 2005 the prints were destroyed but the officer today said if anyone looks, they can see I was fingerprinted and since then the prints have been destroyed .....

Edited June 14, 2014 by MichelleRenee

[byrd_75 9]

It's a difficult situation because at the interview you have to take the oath to say everything in the paperwork is true ect ect so if you were to take the oath and then they question you about it, I'm sure that would cause problems! Yet on the other hand it may go completely un noticed, and mentioning it may just cause yourself hassle. I'd just be worried about it coming back to bite me in the #### in the future, I know during the AP after the interview your name is run through all the police databases, homeland security stuff ect, so that's the only time it may actually come up? :/

I forgot about the oath. Sailor's right. If you can do it, I'd resubmit the DS160. I wouldn't, however, reschedule the interview. Johan said they can change the information right in the computer while they're asking questions.

Overall it shouldn't be an issue since you weren't charged with anything. It just might seem fishy since you were arrested and went to trial yet it slipped your mind when asked if you had been arrested. From their point of view they might not understand how you could forget. But since it's not on your police certificate, I don't see how they would have any knowledge of it so you're probably in the clear and it won't even get brought up!

Well the arrest wont show up but the fact that I was fingerprinted may be seen if they do a search......

If I resubmit a ds160.....I think I have to do a whole new one......I don't think I can resubmit it as I already signed it.....

[Tina and Johan 206]

Well the arrest wont show up but the fact that I was fingerprinted may be seen if they do a search......

If I resubmit a ds160.....I think I have to do a whole new one......I don't think I can resubmit it as I already signed it.....

http://www.visajourney.com/content/ds-160-help-and-frequently-asked-questions-faqs

specifically:

Correcting Answers on a Submitted DS-160

• The U.S. Embassy or Consulate where I went for my visa interview denied my application because my DS-160 contained errors or was incomplete. What does this mean and what do I need to do next?

DS-160 applications submitted before April 1, 2010 cannot be reopened, and therefore, you must complete and submit a new DS-160.

The Embassy or Consulate should reopen your DS-160 submitted after April 1, 2010 if your application is denied for this reason and ask you to correct it, as explained below:

• DS-160 applications submitted on or after November 1, 2010: Enter your application ID number and answer additional questions as prompted to access and correct your application.
• DS-160 applications submitted on or after April 1, 2010, but before November 1, 2010: Enter your barcode or confirmation number into the Application ID field and answer additional questions as prompted to access and correct your application.

• After I have corrected or completed my DS-160 application, do I need to schedule a new appointment or return to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate?

Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you applied for specific instructions.

Edited June 14, 2014 by Tina and Johan

[froschundblumen 25]

If I was in your situation, I would base all my decisions on the assumption that they are going to find out about this at some point.

Just for clarification, you were arrested (read your rights, fingerprinted etc.), went to trial, and the case was dismissed at trial?

Do you have any documentation whatsoever proving that there was a dismissal or that the charges were never filed? Did you have a lawyer?

I would write a letter explaining, in detail, what happened, when you realized you had forgotten to disclose this to USCIS, and what you have done since that point to try to rectify the situation (ie: I went to the police office to obtain proof of dismissal, but my case has been archived and fingerprints destroyed. My police checks have been consistently clear of any record since it happened. I was never charged and never underwent any form of sentencing for the charge) I would bring this to the interview, but only offer it up if the issue is raised.

I would go to the interview, answer honestly, and in the meantime prepare as much documentation as you can to prove that this is a non-issue.

I'm so sorry you are having to stress about this. Everyone makes mistakes.

[byrd_75 9]

http://www.visajourney.com/content/ds-160-help-and-frequently-asked-questions-faqs

specifically:

Correcting Answers on a Submitted DS-160

• The U.S. Embassy or Consulate where I went for my visa interview denied my application because my DS-160 contained errors or was incomplete. What does this mean and what do I need to do next?

DS-160 applications submitted before April 1, 2010 cannot be reopened, and therefore, you must complete and submit a new DS-160.

The Embassy or Consulate should reopen your DS-160 submitted after April 1, 2010 if your application is denied for this reason and ask you to correct it, as explained below:

• DS-160 applications submitted on or after November 1, 2010: Enter your application ID number and answer additional questions as prompted to access and correct your application.
• DS-160 applications submitted on or after April 1, 2010, but before November 1, 2010: Enter your barcode or confirmation number into the Application ID field and answer additional questions as prompted to access and correct your application.

• After I have corrected or completed my DS-160 application, do I need to schedule a new appointment or return to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate?

Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you applied for specific instructions.

So I went back to my ds160 and changed the details..... changed it to yes with an explanation. it did give me a new application number.... so I hop this wont cause problems..... at least it Is there and I can say I was honest about it........

Ohhhh the stress!!!!!

[byrd_75 9]

If I was in your situation, I would base all my decisions on the assumption that they are going to find out about this at some point.

Just for clarification, you were arrested (read your rights, fingerprinted etc.), went to trial, and the case was dismissed at trial?

Do you have any documentation whatsoever proving that there was a dismissal or that the charges were never filed? Did you have a lawyer?

I would write a letter explaining, in detail, what happened, when you realized you had forgotten to disclose this to USCIS, and what you have done since that point to try to rectify the situation (ie: I went to the police office to obtain proof of dismissal, but my case has been archived and fingerprints destroyed. My police checks have been consistently clear of any record since it happened. I was never charged and never underwent any form of sentencing for the charge) I would bring this to the interview, but only offer it up if the issue is raised.

I would go to the interview, answer honestly, and in the meantime prepare as much documentation as you can to prove that this is a non-issue.

I'm so sorry you are having to stress about this. Everyone makes mistakes.

Unfortunately I do not have any documentation.... the police could not give me anything as it has been archived I would have to contact the Freedom of information Office ..... which is not open till Monday

I will do a quick write up tho and keep my hopes up that this doesn't cause any issues.....i hv redone my ds160 and marked yes with an explanation..... fingers crossed its all good as this stress is killing me......i am pregnant (just 7 weeks) and I am sure this isnt helping the baby out. lol.

[Abby & Andre 27]

Unfortunately I do not have any documentation.... the police could not give me anything as it has been archived I would have to contact the Freedom of information Office ..... which is not open till Monday

I will do a quick write up tho and keep my hopes up that this doesn't cause any issues.....i hv redone my ds160 and marked yes with an explanation..... fingers crossed its all good as this stress is killing me......i am pregnant (just 7 weeks) and I am sure this isnt helping the baby out. lol.

First of all, CONGRATULATIONS on your pregnancy!!!!!!!! That is so exciting!

Second, I think you did the right thing by changing the DS160. At least now, everything is true to the best of your knowledge and out in the open. All you can do is answer any questions they ask honestly. I am sure everything will be fine.

[byrd_75 9]

First of all, CONGRATULATIONS on your pregnancy!!!!!!!! That is so exciting!

Second, I think you did the right thing by changing the DS160. At least now, everything is true to the best of your knowledge and out in the open. All you can do is answer any questions they ask honestly. I am sure everything will be fine.

thxxxx hun.....yes very exciting...... this is my (and his) first baby.....so trying to breathe and relax...... but its hard. Lol .... as you all know!!!!! I am hoping all will be fine!!!!?

I appreciate all the guidance and advice...... most of all everyone's support....... truly and deeply appreciated.

[Abby & Andre 27]

thxxxx hun.....yes very exciting...... this is my (and his) first baby.....so trying to breathe and relax...... but its hard. Lol .... as you all know!!!!! I am hoping all will be fine!!!!?

I appreciate all the guidance and advice...... most of all everyone's support....... truly and deeply appreciated.

There is nothing better in this world than being a mother. I am so happy for you! We want to start trying for a baby after the wedding. I have a 6 yr old from my previous marriage and we're both ready to extend our family. Now all we gotta do is get to that point lol

Good luck Monday! I can't wait to hear about it

[Abby & Andre 27]

Can someone please smack my hand and keep me from reading about how much time our missing document will add to our process. I have read that it can take anywhere from 4 weeks up to several months. I just started crying when I read that. 4 weeks would be fine since we would like for him to POE in 7 weeks, but longer than that will be torture. I was about to order our invitations and book our hotel for the honeymoon, but now I am scared to do that because who knows how long this will take. I am having a bad day and being a Debbie Downer