Prior assault charge could affect US visa application
British singer and television singing competition “X Factor” judge Cheryl Cole is facing the possible denial of her US visa application because of an assault charge from seven years ago, according to the Daily Mail. According to the British newspaper, in 2003 Cole punched a bathroom attendant and was charged with assault. She was fined and had to complete 120 community service hours but did not serve any jail time.
Cole is on her way to the US to start working on an American version of the “X Factor” talent show.
On US visa application forms, all convictions must be disclosed. Not only that, but all prior arrests must be disclosed as well. Whether or not the US visa application is denied depends on a number of factors that are determined on a case-by-case basis, as well as the “facts regarding the conviction” according to the United States embassy.
Canadians can face the same US visa application problems
A criminal record can prevent anyone from having their US visa application approved, including Canadians. If you do have a criminal record or an arrest history, speak to an immigration lawyer about your options when applying for a US visa. If your US visa application has been denied, you may be able to submit another one depending on the circumstances.
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President & CEO
Michael Niren
Mr. Niren is CEO of VisaPlace LLC and the President and Managing Partner of VisaPlace Legal Canada, an immigration law firm based in Toronto, and VisaPlace Legal US a law firm registered in The District of Columbia, USA. Mr. Niren is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Canadian Bar Association’s Citizenship and Immigration Section, American Lawyers Association, and an Associate Member of the American Bar Association.
