USA with a criminal record

[mrfrost1982]

I have a criminal record from 18 months ago and have just applied for the VWP online, the decision was instant, however it says the final decision is with immigration when I get there.

Have I got much to worry about considering the VWP online form gave me instant approval?

[dzug]

It's unlikely you will face any problems. Even if you have a visa, admission is the prerogative of the immigration authorities when you get there - it's not a guarantee of entry

Depending on what it was for your criminal record might be irrelevant anyway

[rubbishname]

Depends what the crime was, whether it is your only offense, possible sentence in the USA - not the UK etc. You haven't supplied any details that would enable anyone to even give you decent advice.

ESTA, by the way, doesn't even look at criminal records, it wasn't designed to do so. Thats the job of US-VISIT, the fingerprint/photo process you go through on arrival. Depending what your crime was, any previous etc is what matters.

[mrfrost1982]

The conviction is for harrasment. Long story which Im not going into on here.

I feel that I may go down the getting a visa route, although I am a bit wary as from what I have heard, its nearly impossible to get one of you have a conviction?