Question about drug test/usage on O2 visa

[rumbleon 0]

Hi all,

 

This is my first post here; please let me know if I'm posting this in the wrong place! I searched the forums the best I could regarding drug tests/history but couldn't find any posts in relation to an O2 visa.

 

In January I have an appointment at the US embassy in London for an O2 visa. I have had one before which expired in 2019, however in 2017 I was arrested in the UK for driving under the influence of drugs. It seems a whole world away from where I am now as I've managed to turn my life around, without sounding too cliche! I received support from the NHS and saw a drugs councillor for addiction, and I've been clean since 2018. I plan on disclosing all of this to the embassy, and at any medicals that I will likely have to take. I figure honesty is the best policy with this kind of stuff, and I don't know what access they'd have to NHS records anyway.

 

I read something on here with regards to a similar scenario where somebody with similar priors had paid for several drug tests in the build-up to their appointment and medical, to show that they were serious about having gotten clean (although I'm not sure if it was an O2 visa). Is this something any of you have heard of?

 

Also does anyone know of the likelihood of someone obtaining an O2 visa in general with such previous convictions? I entered the US on my previous O2 visa twice in 2018 (after my conviction) without causing any trouble, would that go in my favour?

 

I'm fretting about the outcome quite a bit. I've nothing to worry about re: the appointment/medical but I can't help but feel uncertain.

 

Thanks for any help.

 

[jan22 3,056]

Did you disclose your conviction at the Port of Entry when you entered in 2018?

Edited December 15, 2021 by jan22

[rumbleon 0]

No, I wasn't aware that I was supposed to if so...? I just answered the questions at the airport that they asked.

[Coco8 1,042]

Quote

I read something on here with regards to a similar scenario where somebody with similar priors had paid for several drug tests in the build-up to their appointment and medical,

Those medicals are for green cards. I don't remember O2 having a medical exam.

 

You'll have to disclose the information in one of the tons of questions of the DS-160 when you go to your interview. I don't remember exactly, but one asks if you have had any problems with the law or if you've been arrested, something in that line. I'd take all the evidence that you mention (councillor, etc) and the original arrest, in case they ask for it.

 

When you talk about this, only answer what they ask you and do not provide extra information (the information about going to councillor can be good, though). So make sure that you mention the "crime" as it is written. If you add information that's not there, you can make it worse. For instance, if the arrest says "driving under the influence" just say that. If you tell them about the drugs then it's a bit worse, because they can assume it's alcohol. I'm not saying to lie. Treat it as a yes/no situation and be as brief as possible, let them ask you questions.

 

Edited December 20, 2021 by Coco8

[Coco8 1,042]

They take DUI seriously. They can refer you to a medical exam because of your situation or they can deny the visa. 

[rumbleon 0]

Thanks for the reply.

I think that

[rumbleon 0]

9 hours ago, Coco8 said:

Those medicals are for green cards. I don't remember O2 having a medical exam.

 

You'll have to disclose the information in one of the tons of questions of the DS-160 when you go to your interview. I don't remember exactly, but one asks if you have had any problems with the law or if you've been arrested, something in that line. I'd take all the evidence that you mention (councillor, etc) and the original arrest, in case they ask for it.

 

When you talk about this, only answer what they ask you and do not provide extra information (the information about going to councillor can be good, though). So make sure that you mention the "crime" as it is written. If you add information that's not there, you can make it worse. For instance, if the arrest says "driving under the influence" just say that. If you tell them about the drugs then it's a bit worse, because they can assume it's alcohol. I'm not saying to lie. Treat it as a yes/no situation and be as brief as possible, let them ask you questions.

 

Thanks for the reply.

 

Without looking at paperwork, I think that the conviction was "driving under the influence of a controlled substance" or words to that effect so there's not much getting around it. I have already answered "yes" to the relevant questions on the DS-160 we've submitted re: previous convictions. Hopefully the fact that I wasn't rejected outright is a good thing...?

 

I feel like the nature of the conviction at the very least guarantees me for a medical at a later date, if they want to proceed at all.

 

I think I may pay for a drug test in the build-up to the appointment, to prove I'm clean (or not just getting clean for a medical). Do you think that's worth doing? I know it won't count as the drug test that they will use for the process but I figure for ~£100, it might not hurt.

[Coco8 1,042]

5 hours ago, rumbleon said:

I think I may pay for a drug test in the build-up to the appointment, to prove I'm clean (or not just getting clean for a medical). Do you think that's worth doing? I know it won't count as the drug test that they will use for the process but I figure for ~£100, it might not hurt.

I don't think it'd hurt. It's a good point. 

Edited December 20, 2021 by Coco8