F-1 Visa with Juvenile Adjudications (in the US) Merged

[Exxylado 0]

I’m applying for an F-1 visa early next year, I’ve just received my form I-20, and I will be applying from the US consulate in London. 
 

A year ago, during a 3 month long visit to the United States, I was adjudicated as a juvenile delinquent for petty larceny and proving a false name to a police officer (in Virginia). I’m planning on bringing evidence of good moral character: letters of recommendation, pristine record before and since, police clearances, etc to the interview. I’m also hoping to have a good officer. 
 

What are my chances of approval? Thank you!

Edited November 18, 2023 by Crazy Cat

[Crazy Cat 39,317]

3 minutes ago, Exxylado said:

I was adjudicated as a juvenile delinquent for petty larceny and proving a false name to a police officer (in Virginia).

You were convicted?

[Exxylado 0]

@Crazy Cat No it was in the juvenile system, so it doesn’t count as a conviction (not just in an immigration, but also generally). 

[Boiler 43,516]

It will certainly be taken into consideration for a visa.

 

Why were you on the US for 3 months?

[Exxylado 0]

@BoilerI was on my summer break - visiting friends and being a tourist in the DC-Baltimore area. 
 

and I’m sure it will be taken into consideration, do you have any advice or tips for the interview and explaining myself? Thank you! 

[Boiler 43,516]

It is what it is, what do you have to explain?

[Boiler 43,516]

With a stealing issue maybe they will be focussed on how you can afford presumably a multi year degree programme?

[Exxylado 0]

@Boiler I didn’t think of that, but I was thinking that brining bank statements (6 months worth), scholarship letters, and affidavits of support would do the trick? 

[Boiler 43,516]

No way of knowing, the totality of the situation and how the officer considers the incident seems key

[Exxylado 0]

@Boiler I was talking to my immigration attorney, and he said that it might take a few tries, it might be that I’m approved on my first try. It all comes down to the officer, if I get a good one per se. 

 

But I wonder if there’s something I can do to perhaps increase the chances? 

[Boiler 43,516]

Nothing a Lawyer can really do with a F1.

 

All I can think of is if you basically have a perfectly solid F case and this can be put down to youthful foibles they will let it pass.

 

It is not normal for subsequent applications to be approved but it certainly seems to happen.

[Exxylado 0]

So juvenile adjudications result in admissibility? I’ve read in a few places that they absolutely don’t, but I’d just like to confirm. Thanks! 

[Crazy Cat 39,317]

****Like threads merged.  Please keep comments under this thread****

-VJ Moderation

[D-R-J 154]

I don’t think so; see:

 

2. Juvenile Convictions

In general, a guilty verdict, ruling, or judgment in a juvenile court does not constitute a conviction for immigration purposes.^[11] A conviction for a person who is under 18 years of age and who was charged as an adult constitutes a conviction for immigration purposes.

 

https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-12-part-f-chapter-2#2

 

 https://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/eoir/legacy/2014/07/25/3435.pdf

Edited November 18, 2023 by D-R-J

[Boiler 43,516]

The Consulate has the discretion to issue a non immigrant visa, they may choose not to.