Applying for a visa w/ a criminal convict. & arrest warr

[pegoopanic]

Hey guys,

I had a question--I was wondering if Germany does background checks for their residency visas for US citizens who are applying. I received an offer for a job and need to start the application process (which i am COMPLETELY clueless on) and i read a generic residency application (which i heard is now what everyone has to apply for instead of a separate work visa) and it asks about the applicant's criminal history. I have a few misdemeanors under my belt (a DUI & domestic charge) but my problem is that i left without finishing my classes for my domestic and i also have a 2nd DUI which i never went to court for so there are warrants out for my arrest. however, these ARE all misdemeanors and not serious crimes...

So here is the thing--if i were to check the no box for criminal convictions would they still run a background check? If i checked yes, i assume the rest of you would agree--they would deny my application due to the current circumstances back at home.

I am just afraid of risking checking the no box and if incase they do run a check, i risk not only rejection of the application but perhaps a permanent ban from ever applying due to dishonesty.

Yes, i know that there is a complete lack of moral on my side! My reasons are entirely personal and i am young person who has made too many mistakes in her lifetime and i do sincerely need assistance with this problem. if anyone has any information, please let me know!

thank you!

[RobinLondon]

You're entering dangerous waters here. Who's to say that Germany wouldn't do a background check. It's unlikely, but who knows. What's more worrisome is on the US side. While it might not be entirely the case, the US might refuse to issue you with or renew a passport given your outstanding warrants. I mean, they do ask for your SSN on the application and all. Again, I don't know what's on their computers, and you might be entirely fine. I'm just saying that you're running a risk, and you have to decide what you're comfortable with. If I were you, I'd be most nervous when re-entering the US. I have no idea what's on the immigration officers' computers, but an outstanding warrant might certainly be flagged.

To sum up, this isn't an ideal situation. You might be fine. You might get caught. I'm not a lawyer, so you might want to consult with one before you do anything else. For simple peace of mind, this is probably something best sorted before it gets any worse.

[Wanderer]

Our German WP/Residence Permit to four and a half months to come through so I'd guess the Germans probably due a very thorough job.

My partner is Russian living in UK so I dunno what background checks they did do but I know they contacted her uni despite having a letter we provided from the uni.

Too risky for me mate!