Going to the US with a cannabis conviction.....

No not me!</p>

One of my studes who is now 21 was cautioned for possession of cannabis when he was 17, he wants to go to the US this Summer...but will his caution get him sent back when he gets there? Anyone know owt about this?</p>

 

Get him to try this

http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/visa_wizard.html

But I suspect he will have to apply for a visa rather than being eligible under the visa waiver programme.

Best thing is for him to check with the embassy.

 

Further details

Travelers who have been arrested, even if the arrest did not result in a criminal conviction, and those with criminal records, (the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act does not apply to U.S. visa law), are required to apply for visas. If they attempt to travel without a visa, they may be refused entry into the United States.

http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/niv/arrests_and_convictions.html


And probably not worth the risk of going under visa waiver because if they do get details and refuse him entry then it's unlikely they'll allow him a visa in future

 

I know someone....

who has a spent conviction who doesn't bother getting a visa for the US and they've never been pulled up about it.

Just play innocent on the visa waiver form.

 

A caution isn't a conviction,if he re-offended the caution could be brought up in court but unless he got a fixed fine or appeared in court he should be alright. The US are considering abolishing the waiver scheme for Brits anyway

 

See my earlier post quoting from the US Embassy website.

If he was arrested then he requires a visa....that's not to say he couldn't just risk it on the waiver programme and they wouldn't pick it up - it's whether or not he thinks it's worth the risk.