Does a drug charge preclude you from entering the UK?

Does a drug charge preclude you from entering the UK? - Pile of sparkling drug capsules scattered on pink surface

I was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana and cocaine in 2015. I never had a trial as I left the country before then. My question is: assuming all other factors are acceptable (e.g. finances, sponsorship), does my outstanding arrest stop me from being granted a standard UK visitor's visa?

I do not plan on lying in my application, but I also want to highlight that I never had a conviction, nor have I been in trouble since (I recently traveled through 4 countries, all in SE Asia where the visa requirements are much lower). Am I being untrustworthy and therefore at even greater risk for being denied a visa? For your reference I hold an American green card but I am not a national of any country that can visit the UK visa-free.



Best Answer

If a person has a prosecution pending for an offence or series of offences, you must put the application on hold pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings. However, although you must stick to the principle of innocent until proven guilty, insufficient evidence to bring a case to court does not prevent you refusing the application. This is because the standard of proof is lower for a refusal under character and/or conduct grounds.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/673998/GGFR-Section-1-v29.0-EXT.PDF




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Can you enter the UK if you have a criminal record?

Applicants for entry clearance and those applying to remain in this country are checked for UK criminal convictions. Those seeking permission to enter the UK will normally be refused if they have previously been convicted of a criminal offence punishable by at least 12 months imprisonment.

Can criminal record affect my immigration status UK?

You must disclose your full criminal record when applying for British citizenship if you are applying from England, Wales or Scotland. If you have been convicted of an offence and were sentenced to exactly four years' imprisonment or longer, your application is likely to be refused.

What chemicals are used in drugs?

Reagents
  • Hydriodic acid. methamphetamine.
  • Hypophosphorous acid. amphetamine. methamphetamine.
  • Iodine. amphetamine. methamphetamine.
  • Red phosphorus and white phosphorus. amphetamine. ...
  • Potassium permanganate. cocaine. ...
  • Sodium permanganate. cocaine.
  • Hydrochloric acid (hydrogen chloride) amphetamine. ...
  • Sulfuric acid. amphetamine.




Why Drug Deaths Are Rising in the UK | The War on Drugs




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