DS-160 - Security/Arrest Question for UK (No Trace)

[judyann811 39]

Hi all,

 

Hoping for some advice re the question of 'Ever having been arrested' on my upcoming DS-160 as my fiancé and I received notification from NVC that our file has now been sent to the consulate here in the UK.

3 years ago I was arrested due to residing in the same house as someone who was arrested for a drug conviction. While they investigated him (who was later charged and sentenced), I was released as it was a 'false arrest' - I was arrested as I had a telephone bill to the same household as this guy. It was very upsetting at the time and I was SUPER worried it would hinder my future travel plans anywhere, which it never has so far and afterwards I got a police certificate for travel here in the UK and it states 'No Trace'. I even asked the police at the time for travel purposes and they actually advised me that I could say I hadn't been arrested/cautioned etc as it had been removed.

I keep coming up against conflicting info - I know everyone says to declare any arrests, but the police here (and the certificate) told me it had all been removed and I could say no to this question if I travelled anywhere should the question come up.

 

Just wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience and the outcome, or any advice? I have been reading if you say YES, there is an extra form and the standard processing for your DS160 goes from about 5 days to up to 16 weeks!!!

 

Thanks!

 

 

[Sparkle Sparkle 914]

You should declare it if it does not show on your record you don't need to provide court documents or police documents to show you have been aquitted or records expunged.. Just be ready to explain it just the way you have done here. 

[judyann811 39]

34 minutes ago, Sparkle Sparkle said:

You should declare it if it does not show on your record you don't need to provide court documents or police documents to show you have been aquitted or records expunged.. Just be ready to explain it just the way you have done here. 

Thanks. My main concern was the fact that I read somewhere that instead of your DS160 taking about 5 days to process it can take up to 16 weeks if you say YES to that question. Cant seem to find an answer on that anywhere.

[Wuozopo 4,293]

4 hours ago, judyann811 said:

Thanks. My main concern was the fact that I read somewhere that instead of your DS160 taking about 5 days to process it can take up to 16 weeks if you say YES to that question. Cant seem to find an answer on that anywhere.

I wouldn't go by that. In London, they don't "process" a DS-160 until the interviewing guy looks at it. Do you have a new police certificate from ACRO? If it says "no trace", then it didn't happen. If it says "no live trace" there is a record.

 

On the processing time issue, you are in control of your timeline now. With your case already sent to London, the delay is you getting on with it.

 

I would suggest this order:

1. Submit DS-160.
2. Gather documents. (for interview as well as documents for medical appointment). You don't want a looming appointment if you hit a hiccup and won't have what you need for the appointment. 
3. Book your medical date by calling the clinic. 020 7486 7822. 
4. Book the courier, pay, and pick an interview date all at the same time on https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-gb/iv. Select “I have received a letter from the consular section with instructions to register or schedule a K visa appointment”. Leave 10-14 days between medical and interview for best results.
5. Attend your medical.
6. Attend your interview.

 

Gather documents step is important. See lists:

https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/fiancee-2/required-documents/

http://www.visamedicals.co.uk/us-bring.htm

[Ryan H 3,834]

Moved from Progress Reports to Process & Procedures.