K-1... Immigrant or Non-Immigrant????

[hamburgapples 0]

I was sure that the K-1 was a non-immigrant visa yet while at the consolate in Frankfurt yesterday for our interview appointment we were told otherwise. First while waiting in line outside a consolar employee came around making sure that everyone had their appointment letters and asking people if they where there for immigrant or non-immigrant visas. We replied non-immigrant but when he saw my fiance's letter he said ours was for an immigrant visa and to move to another line.

Once inside we were directed to a window labled "Immigrant".

So is a K-1 an immigrant visa??? If it is not then I don't understand why people at the US Consolate said otherwise.

What gives?

Anyway our interview appointment was successful.... to those who will have an interview in Frankfurt, check out the full review of interview that I wrote up here.

[mendeleev 68]

K visas are funny in-between animals. They are not immigrant visas. But the desire to get a K visa demonstrates intent to immigrate. It isn't surprising that some consulates would consider them to be immigrant visas, for purposes of interviewing applicants.

Congratulations on your successful interview.

[Uzume 0]

I was sure that the K-1 was a non-immigrant visa yet while at the consolate in Frankfurt yesterday for our interview appointment we were told otherwise. First while waiting in line outside a consolar employee came around making sure that everyone had their appointment letters and asking people if they where there for immigrant or non-immigrant visas. We replied non-immigrant but when he saw my fiance's letter he said ours was for an immigrant visa and to move to another line.

Once inside we were directed to a window labled "Immigrant".

So is a K-1 an immigrant visa??? If it is not then I don't understand why people at the US Consolate said otherwise.

What gives?

Anyway our interview appointment was successful.... to those who will have an interview in Frankfurt, check out the full review of interview that I wrote up here.

I always thought the K1 was a non-immigrant visa because the AOS is the bit where you apply for permanent residency. As there is a condition to return home on a K1 unless you fulfil the criteria (get married), it's non-immigrant and has an expiry date.

That's my understanding anyhow. I suppose people who deal with them a lot know they mainly lead to immigration so maybe they just see it like that.

[Lance27 20]

From what I have seen and read all K1/K3 visas are processed by Immigrant Visa units at US consulates abroad. Even though it is technically a non immigrant visa it is considered an immigrant visa because of immigrant intent.

[pushbrk 13,172]

From what I have seen and read all K1/K3 visas are processed by Immigrant Visa units at US consulates abroad. Even though it is technically a non immigrant visa it is considered an immigrant visa because of immigrant intent.

Exactly. This is consistent in all US Consulates.

[flutter95 4]

K visa's are non-immigrant visas with immigrant intent. The visa allows you to become an immigrant.

[hamburgapples 0]

Thanks all. Your responses make sense. I was thinking that most people getting Ks have immigrant intent. But it still seemed kind of strange.

[vsmtghdy 2]

K-1 (and also K-3) visas are Non-immigrant visas but being processed under Immigrant Visa (since they are coming in with the intent to get married and eventually apply for permanent status - the immigrant intent contention).