Overseas travel dilemma - USA/Russia

[thomas47]

I work as Ltd Co. contractor for various clients.
One of my clients has potential for work in USA and Russia, therefore likely i will need to apply for a VISA for both countries.

Problem i have is that a few years back due to allegations from my exwife i was pushed into accepting a caution for assault. Not asking people to judge me here that was 7 years ago, and we divorced since then.
How do i apply for a Visa with this information in confidence? As i notice the company secretary enters the visa info for the staff members. Dont really want her or anyone else know about this black mark on my life. I could either not disclose it but dont feel comfortable about lying, but also dont really want people in my client office know about this.
any clues welcome.

i am hoping to be with this newish client long term, as i worked with a few people there at other places.
Thanks.

[stek]

For Russia if you are working there are two types of WP, one ordinary one but those are quota'd, and the HQS, (Highly Qualified Specialist) - for that one u'd need to be paid around £40k a year. It's a three year visa. WRT to previous transgressions, I wouldn't worry but palms may need to be greased as always in FSU. There's a Business Visa too though I always wonder where there line is between Work Permit and Business. If you need more info I know people who can help.

[thomas47]

For Russia if you are working there are two types of WP, one ordinary one but those are quota'd, and the HQS, (Highly Qualified Specialist) - for that one u'd need to be paid around £40k a year. It's a three year visa. WRT to previous transgressions, I wouldn't worry but palms may need to be greased as always in FSU. There's a Business Visa too though I always wonder where there line is between Work Permit and Business. If you need more info I know people who can help.

For both Russia and USA visa you need to disclose any convictions and arrests. As i said i have a caution thanks to allegations from ex which i was trapped in. Moving on from this how does one aproach telling a client that i have this when they apply for any visa for me. Either it will end up as office gossip or client giving me the boot (i dont work with kids) or client being considerate or i could lie and not disclose it (dont like lying).
thanks

[stek]

For both Russia and USA visa you need to disclose any convictions and arrests. As i said i have a caution thanks to allegations from ex which i was trapped in. Moving on from this how does one aproach telling a client that i have this when they apply for any visa for me. Either it will end up as office gossip or client giving me the boot (i dont work with kids) or client being considerate or i could lie and not disclose it (dont like lying).
thanks

What type of visa are you going for for Russia? I've had allsorts and never declared or been asked to, was a while ago mind. I do know someone in Russia now on Business visa, but working more like a Work Permit, but to be honest they don't care, and it's easy to get round once you're in.

I'll ask him - wouldn't going back myself, it's - different....

[thomas47]

What type of visa are you going for for Russia? I've had allsorts and never declared or been asked to, was a while ago mind. I do know someone in Russia now on Business visa, but working more like a Work Permit, but to be honest they don't care, and it's easy to get round once you're in.

I'll ask him - wouldn't going back myself, it's - different....

it will be short term business visa, at the moment i am on standby to travel in case my supervisor cant attend. But with the projects i have been linked with my current client i could be asked to travel at short notice (few weeks) to Russia, USA or other countries. I saw a Russian via online for UK Citizens and one of the questions related to arrests/convictions.

[mudskipper]

Could you not apply for the visas yourself? Is it necessary for the client to apply for you?

[stek]

Could you not apply for the visas yourself? Is it necessary for the client to apply for you?

Think u have to apply urself...

[thomas47]

Think u have to apply urself...

well the secretary filled in the form last time for a staff member who supplied her all the info. Dont trust secretaries with keeping any personal info confidential.

[SueEllen]

well the secretary filled in the form last time for a staff member who supplied her all the info. Dont trust secretaries with keeping any personal info confidential.

If you know the travel dates then apply for the Visas yourself that way you will be spared embarrassment.

If the client then asks why you did this just say you figured it would be quicker.

[Moscow Mule]

If you know the travel dates then apply for the Visas yourself that way you will be spared embarrassment.

If the client then asks why you did this just say you figured it would be quicker.

Use a visa bureau - it's a lot less of a PITA than doing it yourself.

I didn't have to provide any certificates to back up what I wrote on the form. However, that was a good 5 years ago now.

Edit: I would suggest you find out the exact status of the caution https://www.askthe.police.uk/content/Q562.htm