₦airaland Forum

VisaOfficer:
Not always -- it depends what information is available to the officer. Based just on what you've written here, that's probably what's happening in your case. Did the officer ask you about what happened in 2001?

Yes,she did! I was totally honest about this:
VO: what other countries have you visited?
ME: I have been all over Western Europe within last 8 years,but I have also been to Canada and as you probably already know in U.S (she smiled)
VO: when did it happen and did you have a u.s visa?
ME: it happened in May or June in 2001,and I had no U.S visa. I have crossed the border illegally and have been arrested 15 minutes after. After I was deported I was banned from entering U.S for 10 years.

That was our discussion regarding what happened in 2001...

VisaOfficer:
Good morning Andriy,

Based on what you've written, your ban has expired and you are no longer ineligible, so you can just apply. The officer will likely be rather curious about whether you intend to use your next visa properly -- but now that you are in your 30s the officer will be more interested in your current situation than in a mistake you made when you were 19. If you are forthcoming about the experience in 2001, the officer is not likely to hold the experience against you. Good luck!

Dear VO,
Thank you for your responce!
I did apply for a b1/b2 visa this week.Seems like the interview went great,the VO in Kiev,UA was very kind and nice. That day I was told that my case will go through Administrative Processing. I realize I need to be patient and expect a result within next 60 days...out of your experience,do all applicants who violated immigration rules have to go through the same thing (administrative processing)??
Thank you

Hello,VO
My name is Andriy,I'm from Ukraine
I feel that my situation is unique in the fact that I need to give specific information from my past, in the application process.

In 2000 I went to a Bible School in Canada. After graduating 1 year in 2001 during summer vacation period I have entered US illegally having just Canadian student visa. I regret this foolish act that I did ! 15 minutes after my entry into the USA, I was arrested and was sent to INS detention center in Seattle WA.
In couple weeks I went to see an immigration judge,who gave me a "voluntary departure" back to Canada. I was transported back to Canadian border. CIC officials would not let me in,because I had single entry Canadian Student Visa and because of that, I automatically became inadmissible to Canada because I had violated the immigration law.
I then was transported back to Seattle WA INS Detention Centre... In a day or two I saw an immigration official who told me that they will deport me back to Ukraine (my home country) and if I didn't have the money to pay for my ticket - I will get a 10 year bar into US. I was almost 19 and had no money to pay for the ticket.

Besides violating the Immigration Law - I have not committed any other crimes....this "road trip" to Seattle ,to see my friend was the only thing I've done illegally, and I regret my actions.

In June 2011 my 10-year bar has expired, I've been frequently traveling to many other countries (mainly in EU) ( between 2002 until present)

Here is my question,

- Do I need a waiver if I decide to apply for a US visitors visa?? Or because it’s been more than 10 years ago I can just apply?
- in your opinion, what advice would you give to me in relationship to me trying to become a visitor in the US?

I thank you again for your time and your response.