Criminal Convictions

Subject: J1 Application: Arrest or Conviction noted

Dear J1er,

You have noted on your J1 application that you have previously been arrested or convicted of a crime. You will need to provide extra documents in relation to this at your embassy appointment. Please see details below. Please note, this may delay your processing at the embassy and any costs involved will be your responsibility. If you have any queries please contact us on j1visa@sayit.ie

Documents relating to your arrest and/or conviction

Applicants applying for visas at the U.S. Embassy in Dublin are required to furnish a court record from the court(s) in which you were tried. Such court records must show the nature of the offense(s) committed, the section(s) of law contravened and the actual penalty imposed. If the arrest did not result in a conviction, you may submit with your application the documents relating to the arrest. Applicants applying for visas at the U.S. Embassy in Dublin are also required to furnish a Police Certificate from your local Garda Station.  Information on obtaining the police certificate is available from the Garda Siochana website at https://www.garda.ie/en/about-us/online-services/data-protection-foi-police-certificates/police-certificates.html

What if I was convicted in the United States?

If you were arrested and/or convicted of an offense in the United States, you are required to obtain a court record from the court(s) in which you were tried. Such court records must show the nature of the offense(s) committed, the section(s) of law contravened, and the actual penalty imposed. If the arrest did not result in a conviction, you may submit with your application the documents relating to the arrest. If you do not know the address of the court, the information is available on the internet at http://www.uscourts.gov/links.html. Applicants are also required to furnish a Police Certificate from their local Garda Station issued within 6 months of the visa interview.

Drink Related Offenses

Applicants who have been arrested and/or convicted of a drink-related offense may be referred to the Embassy's panel physician for evaluation. You will be advised further on the day of the interview. As we cannot pre-adjudicate a visa application, we are unable to provide further guidance until you formally apply for the visa, at which time you will be given the opportunity to discuss your application with a Consular Officer.

What if I was convicted in a country other than the United States or the Republic of Ireland?

If you were arrested and/or convicted of an offense, you are required to obtain a court record from the court(s) in which you were tried. Such court records must show the nature of the offense(s) committed, the section(s) of the law contravened, and the actual penalty imposed. If the arrest did not result in a conviction, you may submit with your application the documents relating to the arrest.

Kind regards,

SAYIT J1 Team

j1visa@sayit.ie

0214279190