We a uk couple with 5 kids(17,12,11,4,2) want to marry in orlando in dec09?

Question

1st. my passport will have to be renewed with a new one will i need a visa with new passport style.

2nd.my son of 16yrs has just got a referrall order for small knife&affray the r.o will be finished by time of travel will he need a visa.

3rd.my partner(37) has conviction 20yrs ago for armed robbery been clean ever since but banned for ever having a firearm in uk(he did not have the weapon)will he need a visa.

so really we will just be a family going on holiday for 14nts with possibly maybe other family members we are going with virgin with a wedding booked.will they really be checking on just a package holiday or will we have to get visa's.my partner is black and my kids are mixed race will that make a difference will they check us out more.as this my wedding(not at disney)it really important cant have them sent home.

Answer 1

1) All new passports issued in the U.K. meet the requirements for visa free travel to the United States. You are fine.

2) Yes your son will require a visa. Even though he is under the age of 18, the crime did not take place more than five years before the date of the visa application.

3) Yes, your husband also requires a visa. Armed robbery is most certainly a CIMT (crime involving moral turpitude). The length of time he as been "clean" is of little relevance to the U.S.

Answer 2

Hi,

If you have no convictions, you do not need a visa to use the new biometric passport.

Your son will need a visa and will have to declare that referral order. It has nothing to do with when the UK says it is finished. Has to be declared on the visa application form for ever, and your son will  not have the advantage of the visa waiver arrangement, unless the US changes its laws.

Your husband will also need to apply for a visa, and declare his conviction. Tha application form says 'Have you ever been...'

Your son and partner will probably be called to the US Embassy for interview, but if things are as you say,there should be no problem. One advantage is that they will probably be given visas that last until their passports expire, meaning if they want to go to the US again, they won't have to apply for a visa. I got a new passport 3 months ago and then applied for the US visa. It is valid for 9 years and 9 months more. Same as my passport..

I would advise you to make sure your family don't leave anything off their applications. The US Embassy has their own way of checking things out with our people.The visas and your visa waiver only give you permission to travel to a US gateway.It is the Immigration Officer at the airport of entry that decides if you can enter or not.If they suspect something is wrong, or not declared, they can detain and deport on the spot, so its  better not to take a chance.

Your race won't make any difference.There are plent of black,Asian and mixed race people in their immigration service.

You should be getting on with your applications, to allow for possible delays due to your family circumstances,and also because it is the busiest time of the year for getting any visas.

Good Luck. Have a nice journey and a wonderful memorable wedding.