UK Citizen with a record wanting to move to US for girlfriend.

[Russ&Caro 1,548]

As others have stated, while you explore US immigration, look at other options too, like her moving to UK. Also consider moving to a 3rd country where perhaps both of your careers could thrive.

First, understand, you have the love of someone who sounds really great. Keep that in focus.

Second, be patient. If the love is strong, it may endure and even grow through this process of figuring out how to be together. Could be years, but it's probably worth it.

And finally, work hard at it. If you need to take a second job to get some extra savings during this time, then do it. Again, it's probably worth it.

Best of luck to both of you.

[Hypnos 6,576]

As others have mentioned, I suspect your conviction will fall under the Adam Walsh Act. If this is the case, it will be extremely difficult (perhaps impossible) for you to be able to receive a US visa.

Either way, Lizz Cannon is a solid recommendation and one of the best waiver attorneys in the country. It's far more difficult to obtain a waiver related to the AWA, however. It will take years and be extremely costly, both in time and money. Most people would be better off exploring alternatives.

[JFH 12,189]

For her to come to the UK you will need to be earning above £18,600 a year. No joint sponsors permitted.

You might want to research other EU countries while you still can.

Edited August 20, 2016 by JFH

[LionessDeon 2,060]

Lizz Cannon would be a good start and a straight shooter. I believe she is still doing a free initial consultation.

She is. And she'll tell you if it's worth a shot or not. She did for us before I paid her a dime.

[LionessDeon 2,060]

I would think twice about hiring Ms. Cannon or any immigration lawyer in the U.S. Why? Because there is nothing a U.S. attorney can do to expunge (erase/hide/delete) your foreign conviction involving a moral/sexual crime. Also, Ms. Cannon (and others) do not give "free" advice. By law, they cannot legally advise you without representing you. And to be represented, you have to pay. Ms. Cannon is not in the pro bono biz (free advice). By the way, her reputation is far from stellar.

Your chance of getting a green light to the U.S. is very low. We have enough sex offenders - don't need more.

A. No ones trying to hide, delete or expunge anything.

B. The reason you hire a US attorney is because you are dealing with US immigration. Said attorney must have knowledge in US immigration and waiver requirements.

C. I recently hired Lizz Cannon for my fiancé's waiver and she does give free consults. She will tell you if you have a viable waiver/visa path or not. I am proof. She worked very hard for us.

She's one of the best in the business and her rates are comparatively very reasonable.

OP, I'm glad you emailed her. She's very good about responding. We all make mistakes and not one person on VJ or anywhere else is perfect. It takes perseverance and faith. Our K1 took 2 years but it was 1000% worth it. Good Luck.

Edited August 20, 2016 by LionessDeon

[Cathi 5,609]

I would think twice about hiring Ms. Cannon or any immigration lawyer in the U.S. Why? Because there is nothing a U.S. attorney can do to expunge (erase/hide/delete) your foreign conviction involving a moral/sexual crime. Also, Ms. Cannon (and others) do not give "free" advice. By law, they cannot legally advise you without representing you. And to be represented, you have to pay. Ms. Cannon is not in the pro bono biz (free advice). By the way, her reputation is far from stellar.

Your chance of getting a green light to the U.S. is very low. We have enough sex offenders - don't need more.

Where did you get the idea it isn't legal for lawyers to give free advice unless they are representing you? This is outright false! Every day people get free consultations from lawyers over the phone and face to face without ever signing any contract agreeing to representation, I have three attorneys in my immediate family who can attest to that. Don't make things up.

[JenniferNangel 137]

Where did you get the idea it isn't legal for lawyers to give free advice unless they are representing you? This is outright false! Every day people get free consultations from lawyers over the phone and face to face without ever signing any contract agreeing to representation, I have three attorneys in my immediate family who can attest to that. Don't make things up.

I emailed a lawyer to get information when I was going to start the process to bring my husband to USA but they wanted to charge just for the conversations. A family friend is a lawyer but criminal he's given me advice for free in the past regarding a friend so some lawyers will do it however immigration lawyers tend to want money

Op the sexual offense you got away with is considered child porn(degrading photos of a minor) in USA I would tend to think that uscis will not allow you to get a visa even know you "got away with it" it's still going to be on your record for I'm assuming the rest of your life those kind of offensives are looked down upon in USA. As a pp stated we do have enough Sex offenders in USA some of them "recover" but most of them repeat their offenses and in your case it may of been harmless and you gotten over that stage of your life but it's doesn't mean you will be granted a USA visa

Maybe future wifey can move to where you are

[Meg&Andrew 297]

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/200384-adam-walsh-act-was-beat/

This man had to file an AWA and was approved. It's not identical to your case but you can read this thread and get an idea of everything. AWA is a hard thing to overcome, but it can be done.

Edited August 20, 2016 by Meg&Andrew