Good character help please

[Crystalstar]

Hi, i am applying for my mums’s citizen naturalisation on her behalf. She has held her permanent residence for over 15 years, now finally decided to apply for citizenship. Unfortunately she was involved in an incident in a store for shoplifting about 14 years ago, which was totally out of her character. No police called, and she paid the fine as soon as a letter from the recovery company was received. I am wondering if I need to disclose this in the application? I have checked the other posts advising to ignore it, just want to make sure of it? Any help would be greatly appreciated , Crystal

[contorted_svy]

You can disclose it to be safe. it's been a long time and she hasn't reoffended so unlikely it will negatively affect the application. Just explain her character is now different and she deeply regrets it, and maybe mention any volunteering or similar she has done.

[Crystalstar]

Thanks for your kind reply. Is there any possibility that the application could be rejected if it’s not disclosed, after all the incident happened over 14 years ago. Mum said the store security staff confirmed with her it was the end of the incident as long as the fine was paid, her credit would never be affected. I am wondering if the immigration office can access the datas of the recovery company and the retail store? Sorry mum can’t provide any evidence for her voluntary work etc. i understand it’s a pain for her ,Any opinions are welcome, thanks again crystal

[contorted_svy]

If there was no criminal conviction or police warning you shouldn't have to disclose. In any case, it is always better to disclose rather than hope it doesn't come to light. Records of volunteering are not needed, if she can simply write a cover letter explaining where and when she volunteered.

[Crystalstar]

If there was no criminal conviction or police warning you shouldn't have to disclose. In any case, it is always better to disclose rather than hope it doesn't come to light. Records of volunteering are not needed, if she can simply write a cover letter explaining where and when she volunteered.

Much appreciated your valuable response. Mum became very stressed and worried about the outcome of the application. If I disclose it in the application, should I answer “yes” and “yes” to these two questions—1. Have you ever engaged in any other activities which might indicate that you may not be considered to be a person of good character? 2. Is there any other information about your character or behaviour which you would like to make us aware of?
Thanks again for your time. Crystal

[contorted_svy]

Correct. More information can then be shared in a cover letter. It is a small offence that happened many years ago, so unlikely to be an issue.

[Crystalstar]

Correct. More information can then be shared in a cover letter. It is a small offence that happened many years ago, so unlikely to be an issue.

Thanks for the kind reply, i have read the post dated back in 2013, quite similar scenario as my mum, it was not her intention to do it, but one missing item not being paid due to carelessness. Please see the link here.
https://www.immigrationboards.com/viewt ... p?t=146978

I am hesitating to answer yes to these two questions as mum has good reputation in her working places and neighbourhood , I don’t want to risk the outcome being negatively effected by what happened over 10 years ago which should not be declared. I understand it’s safe to declare everything, but still worry about the outcome. Any different opinions? Or any one experiencing the similarities, please Help, thanks as always Crystal

[contorted_svy]

Why do you worry about the outcome? It is a minor incident happened more than 10 years ago and it was an innocent mistake. Disclosure is always much much safer. I have advised this many times now, but you are free to do as you wish.

[Crystalstar]

Why do you worry about the outcome? It is a minor incident happened more than 10 years ago and it was an innocent mistake. Disclosure is always much much safer. I have advised this many times now, but you are free to do as you wish.

Sorry no offending, I am more than grateful for your help. Will discuss with mum, personally I would go ahead with including this incident in the covering letter. Crystal