Does Shoplifting Offence effect visa extension in UK

[raaaaj]

Dear Team,

I would be very much thankful if you can help me with my query.

I am currently in UK under Tier 1 HSMP Visa. Currently I am working for a prestigious company as financial analyst.

My visa is due for renewal in March 2012. Few months back in September 2010, I did a stupid mistake. I was caught shoplifting in Boots Store for worth of goods £ 84 (Eight Four Pounds). To be honest I don't know what I was thinking at that time and why I did that mistake. It was first and last time I have done something like that. To be honest I am deeply sorry and regretful for what I did on that day.

The security officers caught me and took me to their office in the store. After 20 minutes police arrived, they took all my details including finger prints. The police gave me fine of £ 80 (eight pounds), and said that it was my first mistake so they are not taking me to police station but advised me to pay that fine within next 21 days. I paid that fine next day.

Now my question is,

1. On visa application form there is a section which says { (E. Personal History (criminal convictions, war crimes, etc.)
It is mandatory to complete section E. If it is not complete the application will be invalid and will be returned to the applicant.
Please answer every question in this section. It is an offence under Section 26(1) (c) of the Immigration Act 1971 to make a statement or representation which is known to be false or is not believed to be true. Information given will be checked with other agencies.}.

It also says

{ Convictions spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 need not be disclosed. More information about this Act is given towards the end of this section.}

Now , Can you please suggest me does this shoplifting offence which I did, although I was only fined and never took to police station or court.

1. Do I have to specify this offence on Visa application form.

2. Will this offence have any effect on my visa extension. (will they refuse my visa due to this silly mistake).

3. Does this form a part of criminal record.

3. Will this have any effect on my permanent residency application (settlement), If I will be granted this Tier 1 visa extension then after two years I will be eligible for settlement visa.

I would highly appreciate and be thankful for your help and advice.

Many thanks

Yours Sincerely
Raj

[gaurang]

Hi

I have same problem with me.
Do you got a visa in this situation ?
if yes then tell me what i can do for this ?
if anybody have answer then please tell me the right way.

thank you in advance

Yours Sincerely
Gaurajg

[FindLaw_Maya]

Hi gaurang,

Thanks for posting. Are you in the exact same situation as Raj above? If you only paid a fine - a fixed penalty fine - and within the time limit, then you will not have a criminal record.

While this isn't a criminal offence, the police will have it recorded in their database, which no doubt the Home Office can access. Therefore, it is advisable to declare this when you make your visa extension application. It is possible that the offence would be considered during the visa application process. But to make an application without including this fixed penalty fine could have far worse consequences.

Good luck,
-FindLaw Moderation Team

[tensed]

Yesterday, I had the same problem as Raj had.
I m a housewife with a 10 month old son. I shoplifted at primark i dont know why. I Feel really sorry now. I was taken to the office, police called, and that officer was nice so he didnt take me to the police station and fined me £80. My husband is very strict, i was literally begging that i cant tell my husband and that officer satisfied me that its not the criminal record so he will never know, just pay the fine and u can go. I took the reciept he gave me and went straight to post office and paid the fine. I m mentally disturbed since this incident happened to me. Our extension is due after 6 months and i m very worried that if that criminal record part wont be filled our visa might get refused.
What should i do now. Am i worried on right thing?

[tensed]

Will my husband ever know about this if i dont tell him?

[Blueswhite]

@Tensed, Gaurang & Raaj

Can anyone of you shed some light on this. Have you guys mentioned about this incident in your application when submitted. Please do let me know as my friend is in similar situation. It would be of great help if you guys can let us know how you tackled this situation. Many thanks & pls do respond when you get time. Thank you

[Blueswhite]

Yesterday, I had the same problem as Raj had.
I m a housewife with a 10 month old son. I shoplifted at primark i dont know why. I Feel really sorry now. I was taken to the office, police called, and that officer was nice so he didnt take me to the police station and fined me £80. My husband is very strict, i was literally begging that i cant tell my husband and that officer satisfied me that its not the criminal record so he will never know, just pay the fine and u can go. I took the reciept he gave me and went straight to post office and paid the fine. I m mentally disturbed since this incident happened to me. Our extension is due after 6 months and i m very worried that if that criminal record part wont be filled our visa might get refused.
What should i do now. Am i worried on right thing?

Please do let us know how did you managed to handle your situation. Have you managed to apply for your visa without any issues.

[Blueswhite]

Can someone please confirm how did you manage to get on with your applications .. Have you mentioned about this in your application. Thanks

[Onlylawsite]

Dear Team,

I would be very much thankful if you can help me with my query.

I am currently in UK under Tier 1 HSMP Visa. Currently I am working for a prestigious company as financial analyst.

My visa is due for renewal in March 2012. Few months back in September 2010, I did a stupid mistake. I was caught shoplifting in Boots Store for worth of goods £ 84 (Eight Four Pounds). To be honest I don't know what I was thinking at that time and why I did that mistake. It was first and last time I have done something like that. To be honest I am deeply sorry and regretful for what I did on that day.

The security officers caught me and took me to their office in the store. After 20 minutes police arrived, they took all my details including finger prints. The police gave me fine of £ 80 (eight pounds), and said that it was my first mistake so they are not taking me to police station but advised me to pay that fine within next 21 days. I paid that fine next day.

Now my question is,

1. On visa application form there is a section which says { (E. Personal History (criminal convictions, war crimes, etc.)
It is mandatory to complete section E. If it is not complete the application will be invalid and will be returned to the applicant.
Please answer every question in this section. It is an offence under Section 26(1) (c) of the Immigration Act 1971 to make a statement or representation which is known to be false or is not believed to be true. Information given will be checked with other agencies.}.

It also says

{ Convictions spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 need not be disclosed. More information about this Act is given towards the end of this section.}

Now , Can you please suggest me does this shoplifting offence which I did, although I was only fined and never took to police station or court.

1. Do I have to specify this offence on Visa application form.

2. Will this offence have any effect on my visa extension. (will they refuse my visa due to this silly mistake).

3. Does this form a part of criminal record.

3. Will this have any effect on my permanent residency application (settlement), If I will be granted this Tier 1 visa extension then after two years I will be eligible for settlement visa.

I would highly appreciate and be thankful for your help and advice.

Many thanks

Yours Sincerely
Raj

You need to arrange a meeting with an Immigration Solicitor, some may provide the initial consultation for free others request payment of a fixed fee.

Given the implications of this, you would be advised to take proper legal advice prior to submission of the form.

[silly12]

Yesterday, I had the same problem as Raj had.
I m a housewife with a 10 month old son. I shoplifted at primark i dont know why. I Feel really sorry now. I was taken to the office, police called, and that officer was nice so he didnt take me to the police station and fined me £80. My husband is very strict, i was literally begging that i cant tell my husband and that officer satisfied me that its not the criminal record so he will never know, just pay the fine and u can go. I took the reciept he gave me and went straight to post office and paid the fine. I m mentally disturbed since this incident happened to me. Our extension is due after 6 months and i m very worried that if that criminal record part wont be filled our visa might get refused.
What should i do now. Am i worried on right thing?

Hi there!
I think I'm in your situation now and I don't know what 'surprises' wait me in the future? I'm so sorry it went like this, because I took a small make-up pencil, not intending to steal, i put it in my bag, because it droped from that shopping basket and I forgot to pay for it in the end. it was a silly mistake and it doesn't face me. I couldn't fight them there, i was just silent and said i dont know what had happened... Now I can't look in my husband's eyes, or my kids...and I'm very confused. Will this affect my future here in the UK, could this mistake ruin my future career? Please, answer if you have any relevant information! Thanks in advance.

I want to ask if having a warning just, but being already in the police database with a minor record, will I have problems when I'll try to find a job(as a teacher)? and as well when I'll try to make my driving licence? bank account? national insurance number? Please, who knows!!? Thx!