Published on: Jan 23, 2015, Last Edited: Mar 11, 2020
If you have been denied an ESTA due to previous criminal history, your next option for obtaining a travel authorization to the United States would be to apply for a U.S. Visitor Visa. Visitor Visas can be one of three types: B-2 Tourist Visa, B-1 Business Visa or B-1/B-2 Mixed-Use Tourism & Business Visa.
The next most relevant travel authorization for denied ESTA applicants is a Visitor Visa. You may be eligible to apply for a B-2 or B-1 Visitor Visa for tourism, business, medical or transit purposes. Visitor Visas entail a lengthier and more costly application process, yet they do offer additional benefits such as longer period of validity and longer permitted durations of stay. For a full comparison, visit the do I need an ESTA or visa page. In addition to completing the DS-160 application form you'll need to complete the VCU-1 Form as specified in the following link: http://photos.state.gov/libraries/unitedkingdom/164203/cons-visa/VCU01_London.pdf
The questions on the DS-160 form most relevant to individuals with non-terrorism related criminal history are as follows:
Source: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/
For each of the questions above, you will need to provide details regarding your personal situation and why you have been rehabilitated since the convictions for any related criminal activity arising from the above circumstances. You should be honest and truthful in your responses and support any claims with evidence. For example, activities that can be constituted as part of rehabilitation include no recurring criminal history, obtaining a job, starting a business or raising a family.
The VCU-1 Form will need to be completed / typed online and then printed out. After you have printed it out and hand-signed the VCU-1, you will need to scan it so you have a signed electronic copy. You will then need to email both the scanned signed electronic copy of your VCU-1 and your ACRO Police Certificate from the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), to the following email address: LondonVABS@state.gov
You can obtain a copy of your ACRO by visiting the following website: http://www.acro.police.uk/police_certificates.aspx
You will also need to bring the hard copy of your VCU-1 and ACRO Police Certificate from the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) to your embassy interview (which you will schedule by following the steps below). More information regarding the details of this process can be found here: https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/ineligibilities-and-waivers-2/arrest-caution-conviction/
After submitting and obtaining proof of your completed DS-160, and obtaining your VCU-1 Form and ACRO Police Certificate, you’ll need to schedule your US Embassy appointment. See this article for more information on scheduling your US Embassy Appointment
Yes, you are still required to provide an ACRO Police Certificate when applying for a visa even if your conviction is spent.
If you are denied a U.S. visa, you are provided a reason under what immigration law has been applied to justify the refusal. Before reapplying, you should prepare evidence that supports your claim the immigration rules that were previously used to refuse your U.S. visa application are no longer relevant to your subsequent application.
ESTA denial does not mean you will not be able to enter the United States. Visitor Visas such as the B-2 Tourist Visa and B-1 Business Visa are alternative travel authorizations that usually provide greater benefits than an ESTA, albeit at a lengthier and more costly application process.
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