Post
by HY-Trader » Fri Aug 01, 2014 5:02 pm
I posted this in another post but thought it will get lost in the shuffle so I'm reposting.
I plan to apply for ILR this November. I have a pretty straight forward application - have been on Tier 1 (General) for 5 years. No issue with points, time spent in the UK, etc. The only issue I have is a ciminal record, but all of which have been spent for several years now.
This is very embarassing and shameful to admit, but I have 3 DWI (drink driving) convictions while I was in high school and college in the USA. Yes I was young and dumb, but there's no excuse I know. The last of which was fully disposed of in July 2007 and the penalty was fines, probation and a 60 day suspended sentence (i.e. no time in jail as long as I completed some courses). So my understanding of the ROO Act is these have been spent for 2 years after my 60-day sentance, so Sep 2009.
Since then I have had no run-ins with the law whatsoever, graduated from graduate school in London, rarely drink, got married (to American citizen whose now British as well), have held a good job in the City for 6 years now, and have my first child on the way this month.
So these convictions are obviously a huge black-eye on my record, but they're all spent and I've been free of any sort of criminal issue for the past 8.5 years. But I'm still concerned the UKBA will look at the absolute number and deny me per the "Good Character" requirement.
I have thought about getting a solicitor to help me with the application to maximize my chances. But they are charging me £1,500, plus the cost of the premium appointment.
I'd really like to hear anyone's thoughts on this. My wife and future baby depend on my job/income to support them so if this ILR doesn't work my family is in a very tight spot.
Thanks in advance