us citizen wanting to marry a brit and reside in the uk

[esahcmailliw]

short and sweet..... i have multiple drunken driving convictions in the us all cases have been closed,fines paid etc........

i have not had any arrests,convictions, and have remained sober for almost three years, my life has changed drasticly..... in the process ive met a lovely woman in the uk! met just after my last bout with alcohol, we have spent over 2 months together in 3 visits (can document all letters,travel documents,pictures etc)

we plan to marry and initially live in the uk

im concerned that due to my previous convictions and revoked driving priveleges it will hamper my chances of a fiance /spouse visa?

i do know that if the brittish consulate does a standard N.C.I.C (national crime information computer) search it will bear out my troublesome past.

what information will they dig up on me, and will proof of maintained and continious sobriety with lack of criminal action/conviction help my application, or will it be denied??


HELP!!!!!!!!

p.s no arrests or trouble since december of 2003

[John]

I think your starting point needs to be to download the VAF2 application form, and indeed also the INF 4 Guidance Notes.

Looking at the VAF2 you will no doubt want to consider carefully how you will answer Q7.17 to Q7.20. I am not suggesting you would do otherwise, but of course ensure that those questions are answered truthfully, attaching as necessary an additional piece of paper.

In the UK there is a concept of "spent convictions". However any re-conviction stops earlier ones becoming spent and in view of what you say ..... "I have multiple drunken driving convictions in the us" .... you will probably need to list them all.

The effect of that information on your application? Your covering letter will no doubt stress that your life has taken a turn from the better and you last consumed any alcohol on (date). Hopefully it will all turn out well.

[esahcmailliw]

would I be correct in assuming the following........

a fiance visa will most likely be approved regardless of my troubled past?

the subsequent leave to remain would be questionable?

all this has me nervous and on edge to say the least. I am tempted to omit any trouble,convictions etc. I know if i do so and they are found it would ruin any chances of attaining a visa, and any subsequent appeals would be denied based on falsifying and (or) omitting any information?

what sort of personal enquiries will the home office/consular make about me in my home country??

[John]

a fiancé visa will most likely be approved regardless of my troubled past?

Yes IMHO. No guarantees of course but evidence that you are no longer drinking will obviously help considerably.

the subsequent leave to remain would be questionable?

No, I don't believe so. Having got the fiancé visa there is no reason to think that converting that to a spouse visa after the marriage will be difficult.

I am tempted to omit any trouble,convictions etc

Don't! It is far better to be truthful about this than to live you life in fear that your visa could be revoked if the lies are ever discovered.

Work on the basis that ....... "get caught in the lie .... wave your visa goodbye"!

[esahcmailliw]

No real intentions of lying about anything, the thing is if i knew exactly with whom, and what exactly they would check for i would omit any non pertinent info..... really have had a troubled past, want so much to put it all behind me, this is a big part of doing so.... I will just apply and be as honest as possible, perhaps theres some compassion at the home office?? then again...... God does NOT pay his debts in money....... Paranoid? nah, karma just has a way of biting you in the arse at later dates in life for previous deeds

i guess my concerns are irrelevent in the grand scheme of things ( we really are in love, have had an ongoing relationship for over 2 years and WILL BE TOGETHER ONE WAY OR THE OTHER), my fiance has a squeeky clean past, and if this isnt an option we will begin life in the usa ......... really just want to stay in the uk first... the ultimate goal would be for us both to have dual citezenship/ or indefinate reamain to leave in both countries

thanks for you speedy and informative responces John.... cheers mate

sincerely, Bill