VWP - Criminal Record

[lofty79]

Hi,

I have a quick question about the VWP regarding a minor criminal conviction i received a long time a go. I know that the official line is that anyone with criminal convictions, even those that are spent (as mine is) need to apply for a visa by attending an interview in London (I'm a UK national). However last year my employer sent me to the US on a training course and i entered using the VWP (i basically filled in the green form on the plane) and had no problems at all. At the time i had no idea about the requirement to apply for a visa in my circumstances. I now intend to re-visit the States and was wondering whether i should just attempt to re-enter using VWP or is it advisable to apply for the Visa through the appropriate channels. Was i just extremely lucky on my last trip or am i now essentially clear to use the VWP as i have already used this method to enter the US? Does anyone else have any experience of this? Also what is likely to happen if i attempt to enter using VWP and i'm refused entry at the POE?

Any advise is very greatfully recieved

[Marco 72]

US immigration are unlikely to know the foreign criminal histories of every single person who tries to enter under the VWP. However, entering the US illegally could make things very difficult for you should you ever attempt to emigrate there. If you are refused entry at the POE you will be detained for several hours until they can put you on a flight back. They will also put a stamp in your passport saying you have been denied entry to the US.