I’m raising funds for my fiancé, Opeyemi, so we can finally bridge the distance between us through the K-1 fiancé visa process and begin our life together. Our story began with friendship, but somehow, even from the beginning, Opeyemi always felt like home to me. He is more than kind words or sweet promises. He is the beginning of the life I have dreamed about since I was a little girl, and having the opportunity to build that life with my best friend is one of the greatest blessings I could ever ask for. 

I have prayed to God to bring someone into my life who was like me. Little did I know He would send me someone who wasn’t just like me, but someone who would become my best friend and the person I would fall completely head over heels in love with. This journey is about more than immigration paperwork. It is about finally being together, building a home, sharing everyday moments, supporting one another, and starting our marriage without the distance that has separated us. 

Because of my medical limitations, traveling to Nigeria is not a safe or realistic option for me. Our hope is to bring Opeyemi here to the United States so we can finally begin our life together. However, the immigration process comes with many expenses, and paying for everything ourselves is a significant challenge. 

We are asking for help with the K-1 fiancé visa process, required documents and medical examinations, travel to appointments, and Opeyemi’s flight to the United States. After we marry, there will also be additional immigration expenses as we begin the process of applying for his green card and any other documents we may need. Our fundraising goal is $7,000 to help us cover these expenses, prepare for unexpected costs, and move forward through the different stages of the immigration process. 

Breakdown of our immigration expenses
We want to be transparent about the costs involved in bringing Opeyemi to the United States and beginning our married life together. These expenses happen in stages, so the entire amount will not be due at once. 

Stage 1: K-1 fiancé visa and travel

• Form I-129F — Petition for Alien Fiancé(e): $675
• K-1 visa application fee: $265
• Medical examination and required vaccinations: estimated $200–$600+
• Required documents and certificates: estimated $100–$300+
• Transportation to and from Lagos for appointments: estimated $50–$500+
• One-way flight from Lagos, Nigeria, to the United States: estimated $900–$1,400+

Estimated initial visa and travel expenses: $2,190–$3,740+ 

Stage 2: After our marriage — green card and additional applications

The K-1 visa requires us to marry within 90 days of Opeyemi’s arrival. After our marriage, we will need to begin the next stage of his immigration journey so he can apply for permanent residence.

• Form I-485 — Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status: approximately $1,440
• Form I-765 — Application for Employment Authorization: approximately $260, if applicable
• Form I-131 — Application for a Travel Document: approximately $630, if applicable

Estimated green-card and optional application expenses: $2,330 

Additional expenses and our fundraising plan

There may be other expenses throughout this journey, including postage, document preparation, additional transportation, baggage, and other immigration-related requirements. We have included estimates to help explain our needs, but actual expenses may change. Based on the expenses listed above, we estimate that the initial visa and travel stage may cost $2,190–$3,740+, while the green-card stage and both optional applications may cost approximately $2,330 at the estimated fees listed. Our combined estimated total is $4,520–$6,070+. We have set our fundraising goal at $7,000 to give us some room for unexpected expenses and costs that may be higher than anticipated. These are planning estimates, and government fees can change before we file. The optional applications may not both be necessary, and we will confirm the applicable fees and requirements at each stage. 

How you can help

We understand that not everyone is in a position to donate, and we never want anyone to feel pressured. Sharing our fundraiser with friends, family, or others who may be willing to help is also a tremendous gift. Every contribution, no matter the amount, brings us a little closer to the day we no longer have to live across the world from one another. 

We dream of finally waking up under the same roof, sharing the little everyday moments couples often take for granted, and beginning our marriage side by side. We look forward to building a home together, creating memories, and having the chance to live the life we have prayed for. 

Thank you for taking the time to read our story, support our relationship, and help us take this important step toward a future together. Your kindness, generosity, prayers, and support mean more to us than words can express.