LTSVP application. Previously refused entry to USA. Problem?

[benb]

Hello all,

I am an EPEC holder and will shortly be applying for a year long LTSVP. I note however that one of the questions on the application form asks: "Have you ever been refused entry into or deported from any country".

Well I was refused entry to the USA 7 years ago while going for a holiday (the immigration officer got it into his head that I was going to work while there). I was later given a 10 year visa for the States so that resolved that problem, but I was wondering if this is likely to pose a problem for my LTSVP application?

If anyone else has experience with this or just experience with visa applicatins in Singapore I would really appreciate your input.

Many thanks for your help!

[littlegreenman]

I can't tell you whether it is going to be a problem or not.

My advise though is to be honest about it and to provide as many details in a positive manner (ie. don't say the immigration officer somehow got it into his head that I wanted to work...) If you later got your ten year visa then add this fact as well and provide details of it...

Good luck.

[benb]

Thanks littlegreenman,

Yes I'll definitely point out that I was later given a 10 year visa, and come up with a slightly less sarcastic way of saying why I was refused entry!

Thanks again for your quick reply.

[jpatokal]

You wouldn't want to get caught lying on your application... but I really, really doubt Singapore has access to 10-year-old US immigration records that, presumably, aren't visible in your current passport either.

[benb]

Thanks for the reply jpatokal,

I tend to agree that it's very unlikely they have a record of it, but I suppose there's always a chance. I'm thinking the best way forward is just be completely forthcoming with the information. It really shouldn't be a problem, especially as they later gave me a ten year visa (which I believe is the longest visa length they issue).

[Strong Eagle]

Thanks for the reply jpatokal,

I tend to agree that it's very unlikely they have a record of it, but I suppose there's always a chance. I'm thinking the best way forward is just be completely forthcoming with the information. It really shouldn't be a problem, especially as they later gave me a ten year visa (which I believe is the longest visa length they issue).

Yah... this is really a toss up. I mean, when I got my American citizenship one of the questions was: Have you ever been a member of the Communist party? Well, duh... sure as hell I'd answer yes if I was... NOT.

I agree... highly unlikely after 10 years... I might be inclined to leave it off... and in the highly unlikely probability that they came back, I'd say something like... hey, I got a 10 year visa... I thought it was revoked... didn't apply to me because I have a visa... end of story.

If you do go the other way and give it all up, you may (or probably) get cleared anyway... but only after a delay while someone actually checks up on all the records.