25 year DUI and spouse visa

Hello all!
I recently applied for a U.K. spousal visa, about three weeks ago. I’m From the US & my husband is in the U.K.

Here’s the thing, i had a DUI in my early 20’s, I’m now 51, and it didn’t occur to me to put this on the visa application, I simply forgot about it cause it happened so long ago.

I did get a fine but no jail or anything like that and I’ve never been in trouble since this incident.

Here’s my question. Will this show up in my background check during the visa process, and if it does, will this look like a deception? I’m freaking out because of this.

I’ve had many comprehensive background checks due to my medical training and subsequent jobs after my schooling and nothing has ever come up on these documents.

Will I be refused because of something that happened over 25 years ago?

I need advice because the thought of being banned from the U.K. for 10 years for this is terrifying!

Thank you in advance...

There is no background check for the visa, so you don't have to worry about that.

A DUI itself will not affect your visa application unless it happened in the last 12 months before submitting the application, so that won't be an issue either.

Since yours was 25 years ago and has been considered 'spent' in the UK for 20 years, it shouldn't be a problem that you didn't mention it on the application (though we normally recommend disclosing everything, including speeding tickets, just to show you're being honest and transparent).

Thank you so so much! What an absolute relief.

I would never forgive myself if I was refused over something as simple as this. Especially after all the stress and aggravation trying to submit applications and saving all the money to file in this day in age of Covid.

I have been worried sick about this for days after just coming across an article about DUI’s, Visas and eventually filing for an ILR while looking for timelines on visa approvals.

Would it be prudent to email the people deciding on my visa and explain my oversight or is it too late for that?

I’ve read that not disclosing stuff on my visas might come back to bite me when I file to stay in the UK permanently, I do want to be as transparent as possible.

Thank you again for the quick answer, you have lifted an enormous weight off me!

I have been worried sick about this for days after just coming across an article about DUI’s, Visas and eventually filing for an ILR while looking for timelines on visa approvals.

A DUI would only affect ILR if it was an 'unspent' conviction. DUIs (which resulted in a fine and no jail time) are considered spent after 5 years. Therefore you have nothing to worry about, as yours has been spent for 20 years already.

Would it be prudent to email the people deciding on my visa and explain my oversight or is it too late for that?

No, I wouldn't at this stage. You can't add any further information to an application once you have submitted it, unless they contact you to ask for it.

I’ve read that not disclosing stuff on my visas might come back to bite me when I file to stay in the UK permanently, I do want to be as transparent as possible.

That can happen, but it would only be a problem if you didn't disclose something that would have prevented you from qualifying for the visa.

You should declare it on your future visa applications though, and include a copy of your police/driving record.

I seriously cannot thank you enough, you are a font of knowledge & helpful information.

I went down the rabbit hole of conflicting information last night and was in a total panic..

I feel 100 times better and I am giving you the biggest virtual hug imaginable!

Thank you again!

Welcome! 
Agree. Nothing you can (or need to) do now but do declare it on your future applications with a quick explanation as to why you didn't mention it this time.