How is a criminal charge going to affect my visa status? 16 Answers as of November 18, 2011

It can. You need to call experienced immigration attorney who handle immigration consequences of criminal activity. Many shoplifting offenses considered to be Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude.

To properly advise you the attorney will need to review the criminal documents - police report and court disposition relating to your shoplifting charge to properly advise you.

Even a misdemeanor theft can be deemed an aggravated felony in Virginia that could lead to your deportation. You need to make sure your criminal attorney (and most of them don't know anything about immigration but pretend to) does not take a standard 12 months, all suspended (means no jail time) in you case.

Any arrest can have significant consequences on your immigration status. Some arrests make you ineligible for relief while others affect the use of discretion in deciding the immigration petition. Unfortunately, without knowing more about the charges, I cannot advise how this arrest will impact your specific case. Regardless, of the outcome, you will be required to disclose the arrest on all future immigration forms. You will also need to provide a certified disposition for the arrest.

Section 212 of the Immigration and Nationality Act lists the grounds under which a person can be found "inadmissible" to the United States. If a person is convicted of a "crime of moral turpitude", they can be deemed inadmissible. The issue of what constitutes a crime of moral turpitude is complex , often unclear and the relevant case law is constantly evolving. Theft offenses can be considered crimes of moral turpitude and a shoplifting conviction can in certain circumstances render an individual inadmissible. Because of the complexity of this area of the law I strongly suggest you consult with an Immigration Attorney concerning all the facts and circumstances of your particular case as soon as possible.

It depends on the type of crime (infraction, misdemeanor or felony) how many other crimes you've been charged with in the past, among other things. If this is going to have any effect as far as I can see, it will be most likely at the time of renewal or change of status. Good luck!

Any arrest is a violation of your nonimmigrant status and a potential problem. IF it is your first and only arrest in CT you MAY be eligible for a program called Accelerated Rehabilitation. If granted, you will not be admitting any guilt and if you abide by any conditions imposed by the judge and have no trouble with the law during your AR period (2 yr max) you will avoid a criminal conviction. However, you will need to disclose the arrest on future USCIS and or State Department forms, explain, and provide a certified disposition from the court. This is very general information that I hope is helpful. Connecticut does not have a shoplifting statute. Depending on what degree of larceny you were charged with you may NOT be eligible for AR.

Depending on what that charge is, and more specifically, what you're convicted of, it could adversely affect your H-1B status. It is best to speak to an attorney with respect to your issue.

You need to make a consult with a competent immigration attorney in your area who specializes in criminal issues. This person should coordinate with your defense attorney to ensure that this will not impact your current status, ability to extend or to remain in the US.

It may. In order to properly evaluate the conviction you are going to have to speak with and retain an experienced criminal immigration attorney to advise you accordingly.