Hey guys,
I know this question is asked quite a few times before but still any help would be appreciated. So basically, I have been accepted by a top Business school and I have the opportunity to study master's this fall (Sept'23). On 31st December 2022, I probably made the worst mistake of my life and got arrested for a DUI in India.Quick brief about my DUI - It was a simple DUI, my BAC was 0.055% (blood sample), legal limit in India is 0.03%. No harm to any person or property was caused and did not resist the arrest. I have a clean record other than this and my immigration history is also clean with zero refusals.
Although the conviction is likely to be just fine and no jail time, what I understand is that it is still a crime with non-custodial charges. The student visa guidelines by the home-office state that students should inter-alia, not fall under part 9 - grounds of refusal
I am totally freaking out right now as I have worked my entire life to get good grades and professional experience to get admission in a top business school and a one-night blunder could ruin it all. I have read a few posts on this forum where people have got Visa with a DUI. There seems to be a mixed response when it comes to a recent DUI. Although I read a post of a person getting a student visa with a recent DUI and imprisonment.
My question to y'all is whether there are any instances of student visa granted despite a relatively recent DUI? On what criteria is discretion used by home office for such non-custodial charges? Under point based system I'll have a full 70 points ( ie CAS, financial requirements, English language proficiency ) so will this improve my chances? Should I provide any additional documents to support my case? (like a statement from local police authorities saying the crime was out of character and clearance to study abroad or would that attract unnecessary attention)
I do wanna make it clear that I understand the gravity of the crime committed and I don't wanna downplay the seriousness of DUI. I regret it completely and would do anything to make it right. It just doesn't seem fair that years of work could be ruined by this. Would be grateful for any answers my anxiety is off the roof.
Thank you!