Hi everyone,

Just wanted to give a great big "Thank You" to all who contributed information to this thread.

I bought my tickets for Australia and New Zealand back in November for a 2-week trip in the beginning of April ($600 for all my flights...can you believe it??). I didn't even think of a visa until mid-March. For New Zealand, none was needed. For Australia, the process looked pretty simple...until I got that decline due to my being honest and marking "yes" to a criminal conviction for a DUI from 2014.

Kinda kicked myself for not doing my research, but finding this site was such a saving grace! Based upon the messages here, as well as a couple phone calls I made to the visa/immigration office, I ended up submitting a cover letter, copy of DL, copy of passport, travel itinerary, copy of bank statement, and my FBI report. I did not attach my state report because I was feeling antsy about submitting the application and didn't have time to get it done. I figured I would do it while waiting for the visa to process and attach it later (they never asked me for it). I utilized a lot of the suggestions for the language to be included in the cover letter as well as what I should attach (special thanks to user SmilingEyes!).

I was so very very VERY fortunate to receive a confirmation of my visa in one day! Submitted March 23th, confirmed on the 24th.

Thanks to everyone for their posts! Also, just to put it out there...I do think it's quite a shame that all DUI's, regardless of the severity of the incident, are considered criminal offenses instead of just driving offenses. Not looking to start a debate, but it is something I have thought about.

Anyhow, happy travels to everyone. Take care!