I'm posting this again in this thread since it has the most viewings.
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Hi all, I just successfully had my H1B stamped in Delhi in December 06 with a previous DUI misdemeanor. I will share my experiences with everyone.
Per messages posted on this forum before, I took the appointment date about 4 months in advance, and subsequently started preparing the required paperwork. (History: in July 2005, I had first-time DUI misdemeanor; got convicted with 1 year probation, 3 days jail. I had paid all fines, done all classes, got my license re-instated, passed my probation time, etc.)
- I called up the court and requested *certified* copies of each and every document pertaining to my case. This included the court reporters document, conviction, clearance, jail time completed, classes completed, fines paid.
(the certified copies were a little expensive, but don't take a chance in requesting simply photocopies. Also, allow 4-6 weeks processing time.)
- I called up the DMV and requested *certified* copies of my license revocation and re-instatement. Just for kicks, I also requested a copy of my SR-22.
- I called up the correctional facility, and requested *certified* copies of time done and cleared.
- I spent lots of time praying!!
- I double-checked each document from the court conviction to make sure that I had receipts for fines paid, certificates for classes completed, license re-instatement notice, and time done.
On the day of the interview, the most important thing that I did was appear outwardly confident. I saw a lot of people getting hounded by the officers because they were stammering or shy. A confident smile seemed to go a long way in avoiding unnecessary questions!
Gave my forms and passport to the officer. He asked a few cursory questions like where I work, what I do, what does the company do, what do I plan to do in the future etc. Then he said, "my screen shows me that you had some trouble with the law. What was it?" I said I had a DUI misdemeanor. Then, ALL I SHOWED HIM were these documents -
1) the certified police report,
2) certified Judgement/Sentencing document,
3) receipts of all fines paid, jail time done, classes completed,
4) DMV re-instatement.
He took copies of these, and within 5 minutes returned back with a yellow sheet saying that I should come back for fingerprinting to the Embassy same day after 2 pm with a Demand Draft for Rs 3910 ($85). I went and got a DD, returned to the Embassy same day at 2 pm, and they took my fingerprints electronically. They said that the results would be back with 4-7 business days.
Sure enough, I got a text message within 4 days that my passport is ready for pickup and the visa has been issued! I chose to get my passport by courier the next day at home. Job DONE!
IMPORTANT CHANGES as of December 06:
1) Fingerprinting is now done electronically and does not require 4-6 weeks like before. I did not know this and took a 7 week vacation from work. But they have recently started electronic fingerprinting, and if you are what you say you are, the results and visa issuance is done within a week at max. They do retain your passport for that one week though, so don't plan on travelling.
2) There is no Rs 2400 visa issuance fee. They have done away with that.
3) You CANNOT leave the state if you are still under probation!! If the court is convinced that you need to leave the state for a specific period of time, they will give you a letter of permission. Please do not make the mistake of leaving the country during your probation time without written permission. this is a FELONY.
Port of entry: no questions whatsoever!
Good luck to everyone who has to go through this situation. Remember, DON'T EVER EVER EVER DRINK AND DRIVE!!!!
