Ancestry Visa - Bad Driving Record/Criminal Record?

TravelNiki
New Member



Joined: 18 Apr 2008
Posts: 6
Location: Vancouver

Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 7:54 am

 

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Hello,
Here is a horrible question to have to ask.

I just got my Ancestry visa (agree everything was painless for me too - after chasing docs for months). We are applying for my boyfriends and he has a slight smudge on his otherwise flawless 'on paper' profile. He has a 24hr suspension from a few years ago (don't get me started).

On the on line app it asks if you have any criminal convictions INCLUDING TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS. I've checked with the cops, and so far am told this is a pre-conviction and is not considered a conviction (won't show up on his criminal record, but will show up on his driving record). Do we have to disclose? I want to be completely honest, but don't want to see this blown into a bigger deal than it is, and risk his visa. He won't be driving over in the UK, which is good I guess. Any insight?

Thanks in advance,
Niki

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cordobaman
Senior Member



Joined: 27 Apr 2008
Posts: 88
Location: Edinburgh Scotland; formerly North Bay ON

Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 3:10 pm

 

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travelNiki- same boat here. I have a "running through a red" and a "pass on the shoulder" (long story, don't go there! LOL) on my record.

On another forum I visit (Canadian Expats), I posed the same question as there's an Immigration specialist on the forums. She said as long as you haven't gone to jail basically, you're fine. It's the criminal part it seems they really care about- our traffic convictions basically carry only a fine (unless you've been really, really bad). I wouldn't think a 24 hr suspension would be an issue personally.

I don't plan on driving either over there (we complain here on the price, yet there it's $2.30/litre).

Let me know how you get on; we're applying in 7 weeks.

Peter

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TravelNiki
New Member



Joined: 18 Apr 2008
Posts: 6
Location: Vancouver

Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 3:21 pm

 

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Thanks Peter! I agree. Based on the answer you received, and on the response I got from the police station, I feel better about it not being an issue. As these are not convictions I would lean towards not disclosing. I could see a major accident/wreckless driving that resulted in a criminal charge (regardless of jailtime) as being an issue. I will post how it all turns out. We are set to fly on July 14th and have not finished applying online for him. . . .gulp. My visa was processed in 24hrs after receipt of documents though. So I'm pretty sure they are not dealing with a backlog yet.

Cheers!
niki

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