B1/B2 Application query

[DJ1992 0]

Hi,

This is my first time visiting the forum, so apologies if this topic is in the wrong thread!

 

I live in the UK and am in the process of renewing my B1/B2 Visa application. 

 

One of the questions on the application asks if I have "been arrested, convicted or cautioned for any reason other than alcohol related offenses in any country. For UK offenses, the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act does not apply to U.S. visa law and the offense must be declared regardless of the passage of time."

 

I have 1 arrest which was for Disorderly Behaviour whilst I was under the influence of alcohol. This was prior to my original visa application 10 years ago and was the reason I had to apply for a visa instead of an ESTA. I did report this on the DS-160 application form as well.

 

My question is, what should i answer for the above question? I can't find a clear definition of what exactly an alcohol related offence is. If I answer 'No' to the question, I would then be eligible for the interview waiver which would be a great benefit.

 

Alternatively, is anyone aware of a phone number or email address I could contact for some advice on this?

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[jan22 3,056]

3 hours ago, DJ1992 said:

Hi,

This is my first time visiting the forum, so apologies if this topic is in the wrong thread!

 

I live in the UK and am in the process of renewing my B1/B2 Visa application. 

 

One of the questions on the application asks if I have "been arrested, convicted or cautioned for any reason other than alcohol related offenses in any country. For UK offenses, the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act does not apply to U.S. visa law and the offense must be declared regardless of the passage of time."

 

I have 1 arrest which was for Disorderly Behaviour whilst I was under the influence of alcohol. This was prior to my original visa application 10 years ago and was the reason I had to apply for a visa instead of an ESTA. I did report this on the DS-160 application form as well.

 

My question is, what should i answer for the above question? I can't find a clear definition of what exactly an alcohol related offence is. If I answer 'No' to the question, I would then be eligible for the interview waiver which would be a great benefit.

 

Alternatively, is anyone aware of a phone number or email address I could contact for some advice on this?

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Generally, alcohol-related offenses refer to actions that are violations of alcohol-related laws, such as driving under the influence, under-age drinking, sale of alcohol to minors, etc.  They do not include other criminal activities someone commits while under the influnce.  So, if appears you would have to say "yes" because you said your arrest was for "disorderly behavior", not a vioLatin of an alcohol-related law.

 

Also, even if you sat "no" to be able to submit your application through the interview waiver program, you could still be called in for an interview if the consular officer decided it was necessary.  They might be more likely to do that if you say "no" to the question and they see information about the arrest on this and your previous application.  

[DJ1992 0]

Many thanks for your response jan22. Upon further reviewing the questions on the system, I had misread one of them so my answer for this question wouldn't affect my eligibility for the interview waiver program. 

 

I will have to attend an interview, but Belfast has been showing no appointments available for several days now. Do you know if there is anywhere I can check for advice on how to find an appointment? I did inquire via email and they told me that they schedule appointments 4 weeks out, which makes me think it may be possible to get one as early as May. However this website shows a wait time of 130 days: https://visagrader.com/us-visa-appointment-wait-times/united-kingdom-gbr

 

I find it strange that London shows their monthly availability for every month going forward, however Belfast simply states "There are no available appointments at the selected location. Please try again later."

 

Thanks again!

 

[Boiler 45,907]

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/wait-times.html

 

Shows 130 days for Belfast

Edited April 20, 2022 by Boiler

[DJ1992 0]

Thanks for your message Boiler. I can't understand how there is a 130 day wait time when they only allow appointments to be booked up to 4 weeks in advance.

 

I think at this stage I will just have to keep checking in the hope that something pops up!