Can you get a visa if you are a felon?
Asked by: Raheem Cruickshank | Last update: May 26, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (15 votes)
Applicants for visas and entry clearance must meet specific character requirements. A felony conviction can raise concerns about an individual's character and may result in a visa refusal or denial of entry.
Can a convicted felon get a US visa?
In most cases, individuals with a criminal record will not be eligible to enter the USA unless they have secured a criminal waiver of inadmissibility along with a relevant US visa.
How long does a felony stay on your record in the US?
If you've been convicted of a felony, it will generally stay on your criminal record for life. However, it is possible to have your record removed from public view through a process known as expungement.
Can a felon get a passport after 7 years?
For some crimes like drug trafficking, a 5-10 year waiting period may be required before getting a passport. This allows for a “cooling off” period to elapse. Other felony convictions don't have defined waiting periods. But typically, the longer it's been since finishing your sentence, the better chances of approval.
Can you become a U.S. citizen if you have a felony?
Permanent Bars Based on Criminal Convictions
You will be permanently barred from obtaining U.S. citizenship if you have been convicted of murder or of an aggravated felony if the conviction was issued on or after November 29, 1990.
The Countries I can (and can't) travel to with a Criminal Record
Does USA jobs hire felons?
People with criminal records are eligible to apply to most federal jobs, however there are some exceptions. You may not be eligible for certain federal jobs because specific statutes or laws prohibit employment depending on the crime committed.
What is the 4 year 1 day rule?
You must spend at least four years and one day physically present in the United States before reapplying for naturalization.
Can a convicted felon go on a cruise?
Yes. As mentioned above, Carnival Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruises and others carry out background checks on guests through consumer reporting agencies prior to boarding. Cruisers would not usually be denied entry to the cruise unless they had been convicted of violent crimes such as physical and/or sexual assault.
Can a felon join the military?
Generally, felons and those with several convictions can't join the Army, but waivers are available in some cases. The offenses and moral behavior-related issues that cannot be waived include: If you are under civil restraint, including parole, confinement, or probation.
Can you fly with a felony charge?
Can Convicted Felons Travel? Yes, but it depends on your country of citizenship. If you're a US citizen, then yes. You can travel to most countries worldwide as long as you have a passport and a visa (if necessary).
Do felonies go away after 10 years?
In California, a felony conviction stays on your record forever if you do not get it expunged. You may be eligible for an expungement if you did not serve time in state prison. You can face serious obstacles until you get the conviction removed from your criminal history.
How long do felonies show up on background checks?
Under Cal. Civ. Code 1786.18(a)(7), California mandates that a conviction can't be reported when it's older than seven years. Arrests that didn't lead to convictions can't be reported regardless of how much time has elapsed.
Can I leave the US with a felony?
According to USA Today, most felons can get a passport without a problem. This is assuming a person is not currently awaiting trial, on probation or parole or otherwise banned from leaving the country.
What disqualifies you from getting a US visa?
These include persons who have been afflicted with a disease of public health significance, a mental disorder which is associated with a display of harmful behavior, drug addicts/abusers, and those with criminal records.
How much does a US visa cost?
The MRV application fee for visitor and certain other nonimmigrant visa categories will increase from $160 to $185, effective June 17, 2023. Similarly, the MRV application fee for certain petition-based nonimmigrant visas for temporary workers (H, L, O, P, Q, and R categories) will increase from $190 to $205.
Can a felon get a fiance visa?
If you want to bring your fiancé(e) into the U.S. on a K-1 visa to get married and possibly apply for a green card, and your fiancé has a criminal record, that fact is likely to trigger inadmissibility.
Can felons get a passport?
Yes, a convicted felon can usually get a passport, but it depends on the felony and other factors: Felony typeSome felonies can automatically disqualify you from getting a passport, including: International drug trafficking Trafficking minors "Sex tourism" offenses Treason.
Can I join the military at 42 years old?
Each branch of the military has age limits to enlist in active duty: Air Force: 17 - 42. Army: 17 - 35. Coast Guard: 17 - 41.
Can a felon be around any guns?
Under federal law, felons are prohibited from owning or possessing firearms. Some states return a felon's civil rights to own a gun after serving their sentence or a waiting period. If you live with a felon, you have to make sure gun access is limited so they don't have constructive possession.
Can felons go to Mexico?
According to the State Department, “Mexican law permits Mexican immigration authorities to deny foreigners entry into Mexico if they have been charged with or convicted of a serious crime in Mexico or elsewhere.”
Is there jails on cruises?
Most cruise ships have a facility known as a “brig” or “holding cell.” These are small, secure rooms designed to detain passengers or crew members who pose a threat to themselves or others.
Can felons go to the Bahamas?
All U.S. Nationals who are currently on community supervision cannot enter the Bahamas, but can seek entry once their sentence is completed.
How long can a U.S. citizen stay out of the US?
While there is no set limit, extended periods of absence, especially when combined with other factors, can trigger inquiries from U.S. authorities. Factors such as maintaining ties to the United States, filing taxes, and participating in U.S. elections can demonstrate a continued commitment to citizenship.
What is the 7 year rule for immigration?
During the seven-year period of potential eligibility, non-citizens are expected to work toward becoming U.S. citizens. If they do not, eligibility will stop after seven years.
What is the 400 year rule?
The Gregorian calendar therefore omits three leap days every 400 years, which is the length of its leap cycle. This is done by omitting 29 February in the three century years (multiples of 100) that are not multiples of 400.