Visa Stamping

[7603rara]

I am working in USA for last 3.5 years on L1 visa. I want to go back to India and come back with visa stamped. My L1 was extended a few months back. I never went back to India after I came to USA 3.5 years ago.

I was arrested on domestic violence charge. My finger prints were taken. The case was dismissed after my wife withdrew charges. There was no fine.

Is it going to be a problem in getting visa stamped? Will I get visa immediately or will consulate take time for verifying my records? How many months will they take?

Is it going to problem every time I go for stamping or for only first time?

Please help.

[txh1b]

Depends. Carry all paperwork with regards to the arrest and case dismissal. The VO can order a background check to ensure there are no other cases or convictions or issue the visa.

Also, you have to answer "yes" to the questions regarding the arrest on DS156. In your future interest, try to get the arrest record expunged.

[7603rara]

thanks for your advice. How to get the arrest record expunged?

Is this the problem every time I go for Visa stamping?

How many months will it take for background check?

[txh1b]

No one can tell about the time frame. It depends. May be 2 weeks if all goes well. It could go for up to 6 months as well.

As your case was dismissed, carry the official court disposition for the case with a court seal and hope that there is no hit on your name. If there is a hit, it will result in delays.

Expunction is a different animal by itself and it depends on your state laws. You have to post a different thread in the appropriate section with appropriate details of the charges, what the plea was if any or was there no court record created at all?