Will my past denied-entry disallow my Tier-4 application?

[todoelmundo]

Hello!

I have recently been admitted to an MSc program at LSE. I have been looking at the Tier 4 application and saw that I will have to disclose two things:

1) In 2008 I was denied entry to the UK because the border agents saw that I had overstayed my tourist visa in the Schengen zone. I was not in violation of an UK immigration laws, but they suspected that since I overstayed the Schengen visa, I may overstay the UK one as well.

2) In 2003 I committed a misdemeanor crime (shoplifting) in the US (I'm a US citizen). I completed all terms of my probation, and have since had the record "expunged" (I think the UK the term is "spent"?).

Will these two incidents lead to my application being rejected? I am concerned because I wont be able to apply for the visa until late July, as I have to finish my current M.A degree first.

Other factors which may come into play:
1) In 2010 I received a residence permit to study for one year in Germany.
2) In 2011 I received a residence permit to study one year in Austria.

So the issue with the Schengen zone was resolved...

I am wondering whether I should hire a UK lawyer to assist me given these particulars.

Thanks for any advice!

[JohnM]

It's hard to say for sure if it will affect your application or not.

Immigration solicitor could look into your case in details before submitting application.

However, be careful when choosing solicitor. Check that they have good accreditations.

Good luck