Possession history... What's my chances?

[Aaaaa1 0]

Hi,  I'm going through the process... Just wondering based on previous experience what people on here think my chances are.... 

 

History

Approx 1997 (age 17) - cautioned for possession

Approx 1999 (age 19) - cautioned for possession 

Approx 2000 - driving without care/attention

 

Today.. Age 41, been upstanding for the last 20+ years, 3 kids, good job, own house etc. Looking to go to new York for 7 days. Embarrassed about the whole thing really. 

 

So Im not too concerned about the driving one... But the drug cautions don't look good. 

 

I haven't completed the esta... Obviously can't say No to the controlled substance question. So I thought I'd just go and get a visa (I assumed cos this was all so old it would be fairly straight forward... Naive I know). 

 

So I filled in the d-160 form... Answered yes to the arrested... Just put caution for possession... No details. Applied for the Acro Certificate. 

 

I got that back... Says NO Trace - which is good.

 

Question I have is: what's my next step? Make a SAR request for the specifics... Cos I can't remember them. 

 

How confident/worried should I be about the embassy interview? Do I have a good chance of getting a visa or a waiver? 

 

Any thoughts from people with more experience than me about this process? I have read all sorts.

 

Thanks in advance. 

[JFH 12,191]

You should have completed the ESTA application first and wait for that to be denied before applying for the visa. It may or may not have been denied. 
 

In your favour, the convictions were some time ago and nothing since then. Not in your favour is that they are drug convictions. Had it been theft or anything other than drugs it would have been better. 
 

None of us can say what the outcome will be, even those with similar convictions on the past, as the consular officer makes his or her individual decision based on the totality of the circumstances. 

[JFH 12,191]

*~*~*moved from “waivers” to “tourist visas” as OP has not been interviewed yet so a waiver may not even be required*~*~*

[Aaaaa1 0]

Thanks for your reply. I have read that us changed the way it treats cautions in 2008... Pre 2008 more accepting. As not an admission of guilt.. Post 2008 is seen as an admission of guilt due to change of wording. 

 

At least I've been honest... If I get approved I can travel worry free.. 

[Boiler 45,912]

Drugs is a reason to believe issue, a B application seems likely. And the drugs involved matter. Presumably no live trace?

[Aaaaa1 0]

Acro says NO TRACE

 

1st was very small amount of amphetamine 

 

2nd was 2x xtc tabs

Edited February 23, 2020 by A_G