Getting B1/B2 after 1st offence DUI

[greenberet]

I am 26 yrs old Male, Indian citizen. My trips to the US:

I first went to the US on a tourist B2 Visa in 1999

Then went again as a college undergrad student in 2006 till 2008 on an F1 Visa

My last stint was on an H1B Visa from 2008-2011. During this time I finished my first 3 years and I got my H1B renewed.

After the renewal I got a DUI, and lost my license. I was convicted and had to spend a year attending classes and finished all the requirements. I learnt a lot from this experience and have lived very responsibly.

Thereafter, I then left the US to pursue an MBA at top school outside the country and my H1B went invalid since I left my previous employer. Even though I am no longer based in the US, I want to visit my family and was planning to apply for a USA B1/B2 10 year visa.

Here is my question:

There is a question on my visa application for USA B1/B2 Visa. I am wondering if I should be 100% honest.

Q. Have you ever been arrested or convicted for any offense or crime, even though subject of a pardon, amnesty, or other similar action?

A. Should be yes DUI 1st offence convicted.

If I say Yes it asks me to explain. Its always messy explaining something like this. I am not certain but it could result in an out right rejection for good and for a long time. Besides, I read about a lot of people who got rejects as a result of the DUI on online forums. Also, I read this article which gave some clarity on how consular officers deal with DUI:

http://travel.state....grams_3267.html

Since its been less than 3 years, my situation would more or less result in a rejection.

Should I say NO? A lot of people I read online were able to get their visas this way.

For my UK, Schengen and Singapore visas I said NO. (I got them all).

What do you guys think? Please comment.

[pontevecchio]

If you say NO they will ban you for life. That is a certainty as records are available and your FP will light up the whole place. If you say yes they may ask for medical evaluation before deciding.

[t75]

DON'T LIE If you do and get caught, you are in more trouble than with the original offense.