H1b stamp and marijuana arrest record

[Marijuanatroubles 0]

Hi everyone,

 

I have been in the US for about 5 years now, 4 years on an F1, 1 year on OPT. Recently I got my H1B approved. Now I plan on traveling home to get my H1B stamp. About 14 months ago I was arrested in New York City for smoking marijuana in public (NY 221.10) a class B misdemeanor. I was given an MACD (CPL 170.56) for two months, so I did not have to plead anything, and then the case was dismissed (CPL 160.50), sealed and records expunged. I realize this will always show up when I am fingerprinted when I apply for the stamp and at the port of entry. Has anyone else been in this situation? I know there is not much I can do now, and it will always be a risk when I travel, but what are the chances that they deny my visa straight away and anything I can do at that point? I have the official court disposition but other than that anything else I should carry? Any advice regarding this matter would be greatly appreciated. I would have to travel soon for family reasons so just making sure I do everything I can to prepare myself for it.

 

Thanks!

[azblk 338]

15 minutes ago, Marijuanatroubles said:

Hi everyone,

 

I have been in the US for about 5 years now, 4 years on an F1, 1 year on OPT. Recently I got my H1B approved. Now I plan on traveling home to get my H1B stamp. About 14 months ago I was arrested in New York City for smoking marijuana in public (NY 221.10) a class B misdemeanor. I was given an MACD (CPL 170.56) for two months, so I did not have to plead anything, and then the case was dismissed (CPL 160.50), sealed and records expunged. I realize this will always show up when I am fingerprinted when I apply for the stamp and at the port of entry. Has anyone else been in this situation? I know there is not much I can do now, and it will always be a risk when I travel, but what are the chances that they deny my visa straight away and anything I can do at that point? I have the official court disposition but other than that anything else I should carry? Any advice regarding this matter would be greatly appreciated. I would have to travel soon for family reasons so just making sure I do everything I can to prepare myself for it.

 

Thanks!

Wrong forum