Want a holiday to the US through visa waiver... but...

[R3A 0]

I'm almost 32 unemployed (only because I'm a  single Mum) & my dad wants to send me on a holiday to the US with my Aunty and my step dad. (Confusing I know) 

 

i have a theft charge from when I was 19 and not sure if I'll be allowed in?. I was going to apply for a visa waiver but don't know if it's worth it? 

 

1) will I be able to go for a holiday to the US? 

 

2) I have no intentions of staying in the US as my daughter and family, friends are at home.

 

I have no idea what the process is? But I have savings ($9,000 Australian = $6,500 Usd) and only intend of visiting for 4-5 weeks.

 

Just not sure if I'll be allowed to visit because some forums say maybe and others say no? I was a teenager, I never killed anyone or anything drastic like that..

[Boiler 43,433]

Unlikely you qualify to use the VWP, sounds like you need a B2 and waiver.

[KierenHby 897]

Apply for a B2 visa. Chances are better than 50-50 imo. Disclose the theft where\when asked to do so. 

[Teddy B 17,251]

1 hour ago, KierenHby said:

Apply for a B2 visa. Chances are better than 50-50 imo. Disclose the theft where\when asked to do so. 

Theft falls within the definition of a CIMT. Highly unlikely she'll get a tourist visa without a waiver.

[KierenHby 897]

I'd say COs discretion, depends how long ago. 

[R3A 0]

Theft was 13 years ago. When I was 19, haven't had any other criminal charges since. It's the only 1 on my record.. 

 

this will be the first time travelling anywhere out of Australia, I don't know what to actually do, but I'm booking in to get the ball rolling & apply for my passport next month. Not sure if I'll be allowed in considering I have that on my record & because I'm currently not employed? 

 

But I have no intentions of staying there as my 3yr old daughter will be at my house while I'm gone with her dad (who lives interstate) watching her until I get back. 

 

Thanks for your help guys, my guess is I'll have to have an appointment as soon as I disclose my criminal charge on my forms. 

[R3A 0]

It wasn't an intentional theft but none the less I walked out the shop without paying for an item.

 

I didn't see the ($4) item in my cart after paying for all my shopping & the security guard was quite arrogant even when I said I didn't see it, he still called the police. I told them what happened but because I left the store before noticing.. it's still classed as theft.. 

 

So I'm big $4 criminal at the end of the day lol 

 

[Transborderwife 4,666]

2 minutes ago, R3A said:

It wasn't an intentional theft but none the less I walked out the shop without paying for an item.

 

I didn't see the ($4) item in my cart after paying for all my shopping & the security guard was quite arrogant even when I said I didn't see it, he still called the police. I told them what happened but because I left the store before noticing.. it's still classed as theft.. 

 

So I'm big $4 criminal at the end of the day lol 

 

Well think of it this way, how often do they hear that story with intentional theft?

[R3A 0]

12 minutes ago, Transborderwife said:

Well think of it this way, how often do they hear that story with intentional theft?

 

 

Of course there would be people trying to say the same, if they did intentionally mean to steal something. 

 

but $4? I mean if I intentionally wanted to steal something & to have a criminal charge against my name, I don't think I'd purposely take a item at the value of $4 

 

but like i said it was my fault because I should have checked my cart properly.. 

[Transborderwife 4,666]

1 minute ago, R3A said:

 

 

Of course there would be people trying to say the same, if they did intentionally mean to steal something. 

 

but $4? I mean if I intentionally wanted to steal something & to have a criminal charge against my name, I don't think I'd purposely take a item at the value of $4 

 

but like i said it was my fault because I should have checked my cart properly.. 

On the contrary, I worked in retail and our shrinkage was mainly due to low priced items because many  people feel that way.

 

trust me, I do understand where you're coming from.  I accidentally shoplifted children's organic cough syrup.  I didn't realize that I didn't pay until I got home.  By then the store was closed.  I simply paid it forward in the collection plate at church that Sunday

[R3A 0]

6 minutes ago, Transborderwife said:

On the contrary, I worked in retail and our shrinkage was mainly due to low priced items because many  people feel that way.

 

trust me, I do understand where you're coming from.  I accidentally shoplifted children's organic cough syrup.  I didn't realize that I didn't pay until I got home.  By then the store was closed.  I simply paid it forward in the collection plate at church that Sunday

 

See you get me.. it does happen & not everyone is out there to take advantage of people and companies..

 

I did offer to pay for it once the security guard brang the item to my attention, but he must have been having a bad day..

 

The $4 item ended in a $400 fine in court, the judge was nice and understood it was a mistake, the judge explained to me that he knew I was honest and it was noted I offered to pay for the item.. 

 

but I paid the price for my own mistake, now when I'm out and about I triple check my cart.. 

[Shiobhan 235]

Apply for the visa, being an Aussie your chances

are better than many others, a single unemployed

mom may be told you cannot afford a vacation

[R3A 0]

15 hours ago, Shiobhan said:

Apply for the visa, being an Aussie your chances

are better than many others, a single unemployed

mom may be told you cannot afford a vacation

Will they not allow me to go even if I have savings ?

 

 

I'll be applying for my passport in a couple of weeks, I'll let you's know the outcome