DIY A Fiance Visa
Background
Ghazanfar, a U.S. citizen, once married his high school sweetheart, but over time they both realized their paths were diverging. Agreeing to part amicably, they proceeded with divorce. Seeking a fresh start, Ghazanfar moved to Ghazveen to pursue a career in private equity. Just seven months into his relocation, he met Sakeeneh at the same private equity firm where they both worked. Their shared professional ambitions and love of outdoor activities, especially hiking, quickly deepened into a meaningful relationship. As time passed, Ghazanfar and Sakeeneh felt ready to take the next step together.
Case
Ghazanfar wanted to marry Sakeeneh in the United States but also wished to carefully plan their wedding. Meanwhile, he was juggling monthly trips back to the U.S., which became less frequent as he spent more time with Sakeeneh in Ghazveen. Excited about their future, Ghazanfar decided to begin the fiancé visa process on his own—commonly referred to as the “DIY K-1 Visa.” Many people attempt this approach, filing immigration forms without legal guidance, only to discover challenges later in the process.
After submitting the initial Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), Ghazanfar reached a roadblock. Unsure of the next steps, he sought help from the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link.
Upon review, the attorneys found that while Ghazanfar had correctly completed the first stage, the case was now with the National Visa Center (NVC), which would eventually forward it for K-1 visa issuance to Sakeeneh. However, there was an important complication with Ghazanfar’s financial eligibility.
Issue
Ghazanfar’s income was earned abroad, and when reported on his U.S. taxes, it appeared lower than what he actually earned due to foreign income tax exemptions. This raised concerns about meeting the financial requirements for the affidavit of support. Although his income far exceeded the poverty guidelines set by USCIS, the way it was reported created confusion.
Many people mistakenly assume that foreign-earned income disqualifies them from sponsoring their fiancé. This is not the case. The immigration attorneys at Green Card Link explained that with the right supporting documents, Ghazanfar could still demonstrate his financial ability to support Sakeeneh without relying on public assistance. The team gathered extensive documentation showing Ghazanfar’s true income and prepared a strong case to overcome this hurdle.
K-1 Visa Approval Timeline
With the additional evidence submitted, the process moved forward smoothly. Once Sakeeneh entered the U.S. on her fiancé visa, Ghazanfar and Sakeeneh married, and the attorneys at Green Card Link promptly filed the Form I-485, Application to Adjust Status. Just seven months later, Sakeeneh’s green card was approved, marking the successful conclusion of their immigration journey.
Verdict
Today, Ghazanfar and Sakeeneh are happily living in the United States, a testament to the importance of proper legal guidance when navigating complex immigration processes. Their story shows that even when challenges arise—such as issues with foreign-earned income—solutions exist with the right expertise.
How Green Card Link Can Help You
The fiancé visa and adjustment of status process can be overwhelming, especially when unexpected obstacles surface. While it is possible to start your own “DIY K-1 Visa,” the reality is that even small mistakes can cause delays or denials. At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys specialize in guiding couples through every stage of the process, from financial eligibility reviews to consular processing and adjustment of status.
If you are considering filing for a fiancé visa or are already in the process and feel stuck, reach out to the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link. With professional support, you can significantly improve your chances of approval and focus on what truly matters—building your life together.