UK Entry Refusals Affecting Visas to Other Countries

[colbyddunn]

Hi All,
I was refused entry to the UK twice and I'm concerned that it will affect my applications to other countries.

The first time was in April 2010 and I was coming to look at graduate schools in the London area. I was refused because the immigration officer wasn't satisfied that I had enough ties back to my home country (the United States) or enough money (I had roughly $1,500 and a return ticket). A large part of his decision was based on the fact that I had lived in the UK as a student doing an internship from Jan-June 2008 and then on a young person's exchange visa (with BUNAC) continuing that internship from August 2008-February 2009.

At the time, I was in a relationship with a British citizen and we had planned a holiday to Holland for November. So I asked the officer specifically if I needed to go to the consulate for a visitor visa before returning in November. I was told this wouldn't be necessary.

When I returned in November on a connection to Holland, I was again refused entry. Although I was gainfully employed in the U.S., had an apartment, letter from my employer saying they expected me back on a certain date and proof of around $6,500, the officer told me she was required to refuse me entry because I had already been refused entry and had not obtained a visitor visa.

I'm not complaining - I understand that it's their job to be skeptical of everyone and treat everyone equally, and that it's not the second officer's fault that I was given incorrect information the first time.

But I'm a journalist and had planned on getting a working holiday visa to travel around Australia and write freelance stories/wait tables to supplement my travel. There is a question on the application that reads: have you ever been deported or excluded from Australia or any other country.

Does entry refusal mean the same thing as exclusion? Will these refusals prevent me from being accepted as a working holiday entrant to Australia or other countries? Or from going back to graduate school in the UK (which was my original intention, though I was afraid to apply immediately after being refused, so I've put it off for a year or two)?

I really appreciate any help or knowledge anyone has.

[mass3000]

Countries in EU & countries like Australia & US share immigration information, so yes, refusal of may affect applications to other countries.

[mulderpf]

I disagree with the first respondent (who is shamelessly advertising the most disgusting visa company in his signature - whatever you do, do not use them if you want to use a company), not in the fact that information may be shared, but that it should not affect your other applications. Just be honest and upfront about it and you should have no trouble whatsoever. It does mean that your application will be scrutinised much more closely, but as long as you comply, you should be okay.

[Casa]

I've removed Mass3000's advertising link.