Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Nicaragua Expat Forum

Can US felon get Visa/Permanent residence

New Topic Newest First
expatguywill
  4/2/2014 11:49 EST

I had a felony from over 10 years ago but was wondering if it would cause issues in gaining residency in NIca? Does it depend on the offense or any criminal past is a definite no go in Nicaragua? Is it something the right officials would look over or what other options are there to stay permanently. I just want a new life outside the US and is my intention to be completely honorable and law abiding. Everyone deserves the right to a second chance I just want to live in peace and harmony with my fellow man. Thoughts and advice?

glockdiver69
  4/2/2014 11:59 EST

From what I understand, in order to get residency, you have to submit a FBI background check and it should show no offenses. I could be wrong, but they may overlook a misdemeanor, but a Felony is a different story. I have also heard that if it has to do with drugs or children, forget it.
I would talk to a qualified Nica attorney that handles immigration to be absolutely sure.
Good luck.

Allianz CareAllianz Care
Get Quote

Allianz Care's plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Our flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. You can submit your claims digitally and our helpline is available 24/7 to help you anytime.

Allianz CareAllianz Care

Allianz Care's plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Our flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. You can submit your claims digitally and our helpline is available 24/7 to help you anytime.
Get Quote

expatguywill
  4/2/2014 12:05 EST

Thought about the perpetual tourist thing or even marrying a local if that was a way to bypass the system but whatever it takes i guess. US has effectively destroyed any shot and I am willing to go whatever route it takes to get out from under this govt. I will most likely renounce my citizenship just as soon as i can but i need a home country to stay.

hermes93
  4/2/2014 12:51 EST

Technically the answer is no but p.m. me if u want to know the reality

majicjack
  4/2/2014 18:13 EST

You do not have to submit an FBI records check The law on residency states you need a notarized local police check.

glockdiver69
  4/2/2014 21:56 EST

I could be wrong, but that is what I was told by an immigration attorney. The reason, as explained to me, is you could move then go to the "new" police station and your past may not show up. The FBI apparently know all (at least they think they do). Just like a lot of things in Nica, the only thing that is constant is change.

Allianz CareAllianz Care
Get Quote

Allianz Care's plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Our flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. You can submit your claims digitally and our helpline is available 24/7 to help you anytime.

Allianz CareAllianz Care

Allianz Care's plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Our flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. You can submit your claims digitally and our helpline is available 24/7 to help you anytime.
Get Quote

majicjack
  4/3/2014 06:26 EST

When we moved here 4 1/2 years ago all that was required was a local police check. Everyone that I know of that have come after us and applied for cedulas have submitted only police checks they got in their home towns.

glockdiver69
  4/3/2014 10:41 EST

I'm not doubting you, just reporting what I was told. When I do decide to go through the process, I will let everyone know the steps.

keywestgirl
  4/3/2014 16:46 EST

http://nicaragua.usembassy.gov/immigration_laws.html

This is the closet thing to an
"official" statement I can find concerning police records requirement.

TerriMarie
  4/3/2014 18:15 EST

Does anyone else find it odd that a 37 year old man is wanting to move out of the US and states that "Just want a new life and the US has effectively destroyed any hope of having one here in the states", has asked about residency in 7 countries and has even thought about marrying some poor unsuspecting woman to get residency? If his life has been ruined in the US it sounds as though he ruined it all by himself! After all he's the felon. Tell me, did I miss something?

iguanalover
  4/3/2014 22:17 EST

This is a most interesting post. I can see your point, TerriMarie, but I must ask myself, who among us has not asked for a second chance? I certainly have, on several occasions.

What I do know is that the prison system in the US is now the prison-industrial
complex run by for profit corporations who have made monetary contributions to every state level lawmaker in the US and the federal ones too. Both parties. In many states the complex now writes the criminal laws and insures themselves a steady source of income. It is a brutal, nasty system which is mercenary, to say the least.

I am not too sure about this gentleman, but I am sure about the prison system and what it has done to many of my fellow citizens. I hope that he finds his second chance and makes good on it. I tried to do my best on my second chances.

Allianz CareAllianz Care
Get Quote

Allianz Care's plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Our flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. You can submit your claims digitally and our helpline is available 24/7 to help you anytime.

Allianz CareAllianz Care

Allianz Care's plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Our flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. You can submit your claims digitally and our helpline is available 24/7 to help you anytime.
Get Quote

wagsa
  4/3/2014 22:22 EST

If you are really serious about turning your life around, it´s because you haven´t done it. True, everyone deserves a second chance, if Nicaragua can do it, go for it. The worst thing that can happen is that the inmigration dpt. will deny your request for residence. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. But, at least you would have a nice vacation.

TerriMarie
  4/3/2014 23:37 EST

I am not saying that we don't all need or deserve a second chance, or am I saying our judicial or prison system is the best. However I too have seen injustices and feel that the system is not "tough" enough. I find it interesting that someone would seek out a national of the country and marry them in order for them to become a citizen of said country. That does not make me think he's had a change of heart or intends to abide by the law. Take the blinders off! Also it just occurred to me, how is he to make a living in the country if the pay scale is so low. I believe he said he had a disability or was it merely an injury, can't remember. Then he mentions the fact that he would be willing to give up his US citizenship. Good idea!
Yes, I have seen several people (men) saying the same thing. I am going to do better and get myself straight and be honest..................didn't happen!
Perhaps this young man will do things differently and honestly. I don't know what he did and do not need to know this. My last thought, would you want him for your neighbor!

TerriMarie
  4/4/2014 11:49 EST

Stupid, yep pretty much. Miserable, yep you got it. Single, nope been married for 49 yrs in Sept. I've seen people like you before, and as for me putting my nose in your business, you're the idiot that put it out there for all to see!
The fact that you have a felony makes one think that was not your first offense. You asked for thoughts and advice didn't you, well!
Lastly, dummy, this is not my name. I used this name over 35 years ago when doing some undercover work for a magazine and it's sort of second nature.
Also, you put the info on the site when looking for a place to go, so I'm guessing that none of the other (6) countries wanted you and so Nicaragua was your last hope! Sei un perdente.

iguanalover
  4/4/2014 17:22 EST

I guess this means adios, TerriMarie, the President of Nicaragua is an old Bank Robber and much beloved by his people. You may want to look further afield for a country more in line with your philosophy. Would you want an old Bank Robber for a neighbor or President?

majicjack
  4/4/2014 20:42 EST

I have been through the process and have been a legal resident for four years.
This makes me nothing special but I did my wife's and my own residency without the aid of a lawyer except to notarize the papers after they were translated.
The requirements are on the internet. Just make sure you get the latest due to recent changes which makes it much simpler

majicjack
  4/4/2014 20:44 EST

Get on the net and go to Nicaragua immigration laws for retired folks. Unless you are immigrating to the US

majicjack
  4/4/2014 20:46 EST

There are enough people here running from something already.

majicjack
  4/4/2014 20:56 EST

WAY TO GO, TERRIMARIE. I have only been married for 44 so you got me there.
I may be wrong, but I bet you didn't vote for Obama either

TerriMarie
  4/4/2014 23:14 EST

I am fully aware of this and have found that he is not beloved by all his people, so you might want to restate that! Wasn't that about 47 years ago? Wow, seems like just the other day. Would I want Ortega for a neighbor, humm, let me think about this. Oh wait, that's half a century ago. Yep, that might be okay. Try comparing apples to apples!
Adios, so your leaving Nicaragua. Good luck on all of your endeavors.
Now Mr. Lizard, why don't you stick to the subject that interests the many instead of the few?
Che differenza fa per voi?

glockdiver69
  4/4/2014 23:20 EST

Maybe this person is a good guy or maybe not. He could be from Enron or worked with Bernie Madoff for all we know (meaning non-violent). For me, I take people for how they come at me and how they treat others. My only concern would be if he harmed children in any way or was a murder / rapist. If that is the case HANG HIM, no 2nd chances! (Yes I am PRO death Penalty, so don't go there) If not, then I say good luck to him on recreating his life and I would hope he learned his lesson.

TerriMarie
  4/5/2014 00:08 EST

Sounds good to me. However don't marry someone so that you can get residency to a country and mess up their lives.
I hope I have heard the last of this _ _ _ _. I'd much rather hear of the country, it's beauty, it's culture, it's history and it's people.
Thank you so much Glockdiver69.

TerriMarie
  4/5/2014 01:22 EST

No sir I did not.
Congratulations on your 44 yrs. of marriage. Bet there's a lot of compromising in those years. It takes much patience and understanding to weather the storms.

majicjack
  4/5/2014 15:13 EST

I spent 15 days in a Nicaragua jail because two Gringos wanted to extort $20,000 from me. I was placed in jail by two corrupt police, one corrupt judge and one corrupt DA. I would not pay because I had done nothing wrong and they figured if I was kept in jail I would pay. Being held in jail illegally for 15 days is not a fun deal in Nicaragua. I went to trial and was found innocent. However these two bastards are now running for their life and one judge, two cops and on DA no longer hold those positions. This would be considered a non violent crime but when you are in a cell designed for two people that has ten and you bed id a wet piece of cord board paper on a cement floor it may not be called violent but maybe inhumane. If you are a crook, you are a crook. You have broken the law. This guy doesn't sound smart enough to be white collar not that its makes a difference

majicjack
  4/5/2014 15:20 EST

You have that right Terrimarrie. There are so many people that come to Nicaragua and never get out of town. Some places may be pretty rough to get to but it is worth the effort. There is a lot to see and lot to do. Some very good and some not so good but it is part of the country we have chosen to live in. I have gone into places that are supposed to be dangerous and have taken my wife with me. We never had any fear and have been treated with respect.

majicjack
  4/5/2014 15:21 EST

Every now and then some out and out wars. lol

TerriMarie
  4/6/2014 21:14 EST

Please don't misunderstand because I don't want to get into politics.......but it appears that so many people were either for Obama or was there and voted for him thinking everything would get better. I encountered many of these people on the forum board and they complained so much about the US. I guess I'm wondering why they ran to Latin America when they got the president that they wanted in the US.

wagsa
  4/6/2014 22:13 EST

TerriMarie, why do so many people get divorced, after being so happily in love? Because one of the parties do not meet their expectations. The same reason why so many presidents are not reelected.

majicjack
  4/7/2014 02:01 EST

There are probably a bunch of us here for the same reason

wagsa
  4/7/2014 11:15 EST

Ladies and gentlemen, I have been challenged to a fist fight by majicjack. You are all invited! Publicly I accept. Pick the gym or boxing ring of your choice, since I do not want to be charged with manslaughter after the beating you will receive from me. We will charge for the admission and all procedes will be donated to the charity of the winner´s choice,meaning me. Looking forward to meetting you. Next time don´t send it through a private message, let everyone know how you handle what overwhelms you.
Communication and reasoning is what makes us different from other animals.

wagsa
  4/7/2014 11:25 EST

Majicjack, in case you decide not to go through with the mixed martial arts meet with me, perhaps you would like to go and join me for some sushi at Sushi Ittos in Galeria and handle things as mature, educated men.

alki
  4/7/2014 14:25 EST

Quaint , I think I smell testosterone

TerriMarie
  4/7/2014 14:43 EST

Grow up please!

wagsa
  4/7/2014 22:55 EST

Terrimarie, I really thank you for giving majicjack that advice. GROW UP!

TerriMarie
  4/7/2014 23:00 EST

Wagsa. You make an Onager look smart! Please don't address any of my post again.

wagsa
  4/7/2014 23:14 EST

Your wish is my command.

Allianz Care
Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz CareAllianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Living in Nicaragua GuideLiving in Nicaragua Guide

Did you know that lots of homes in Nicaragua don't have hot water? Did you know that it's very easy to meet other expats in Nicaragua? Expats share their tips for living in Nicaragua.

Nicaragua Forum Nicaragua Forum
Join our Nicaragua forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Nicaragua.

Contribute to Nicaragua Network Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Nicaragua.

Best Places to Live in Nicaragua Best Places to Live in Nicaragua

If you're dreaming about living in Nicaragua, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Nicaragua in 2023.

Healthcare in NicaraguaHealthcare in Nicaragua

Expats living in Nicaragua discuss health insurance and quality of medical care in Nicaragua. Additional topics include health insurance for 65+, in-home nursing care, prescription medicines and more.

Cost of Living in NicaraguaCost of Living in Nicaragua

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Nicaragua.

Moving to NicaraguaMoving to Nicaragua Guide

If you're thinking about moving to Nicaragua, you must read these 13 things to know before moving to Nicaragua. Expats offer realistic and honest advice about cost of living, learning the language, poverty, renting vs.

Real Estate in NicaraguaReal Estate in Nicaragua

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Nicaragua.

Pros Cons of Living in NicaraguaPros & Cons of Living in Nicaragua

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Nicaragua.

Retiring in NicaraguaRetiring in Nicaragua

Advice for people retiring in Nicaragua.

10 Tips for Living in Nicaragua10 Tips for Living in Nicaragua

If you've recently arrived in Nicaragua, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Nicaragua.

Allianz Care
Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz CareAllianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Contribute to Nicaragua Network Contribute
Help others in Nicaragua by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Nicaragua.

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal