Removal of Conditions
Removal of Conditions: Securing Your Permanent Residency
If you received a two-year conditional green card through marriage, you must file to remove conditions to maintain your lawful permanent resident status. The Form I-751 process ensures your marriage was entered in good faith. At IBP Immigration Law, we provide expert legal guidance to help you secure your 10-year green card and protect your future in the United States.
Removal of conditions is the process of transitioning from a two-year conditional green card to a permanent 10-year green card. The U.S. government requires this step to verify that the marriage was genuine and not solely for immigration purposes.
Failure to file on time may result in loss of status and potential removal proceedings.
Learn More About Marriage-Based Green Cards
If you obtained a conditional green card through marriage, you must file Form I-751 before your green card expires. This applies to:
- Joint Filers: Couples still married and filing together.
- Waiver Applicants: Individuals who cannot file jointly due to:
- Divorce or annulment.
- Spousal abuse or extreme cruelty.
- Death of the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse.
- Permanent Residency: Obtain a 10-year green card and maintain your legal status in the U.S.
- Work and Travel Flexibility: Continue working and traveling without restrictions.
- Path to Citizenship: Eligible applicants can apply for U.S. citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
To successfully remove conditions on your green card, you must:
- File Form I-751 On Time
- Must be filed within the 90-day period before the expiration of your conditional green card.
- Provide Evidence of a Good-Faith Marriage
- Joint financial records (bank accounts, loans, tax returns).
- Joint lease or mortgage agreements.
- Photographs and affidavits from family and friends.
- If Filing a Waiver, Submit Additional Evidence
- Divorce or annulment documentation.
- Police reports, restraining orders, or medical records (if filing due to abuse).
- Proof of extreme hardship if required to leave the U.S.
- Determine Filing Type
- File jointly with your spouse OR
- Apply for a waiver if you are no longer married or have special circumstances.
- Prepare and Submit Form I-751
- File Form I-751 with USCIS, along with supporting evidence and the filing fee.
- Attend Biometrics Appointment
- USCIS will schedule a fingerprinting and background check appointment.
- USCIS Review and Interview (If Required)
- USCIS may request additional evidence (RFE) or schedule an interview to verify eligibility.
- Receive Your 10-Year Green Card
- If approved, you will receive a permanent green card valid for 10 years.
- Form I-751 Filing Fee: $750.
- Biometrics Fee: $85.
- Attorney Fees: Contact us for a customized quote.
- Divorce or Separation
- If you divorced before filing, you must file Form I-751 with a waiver and provide proof that your marriage was real.
- Spousal Abuse or Extreme Hardship
- Survivors of abuse can self-petition without their spouse’s involvement.
- Evidence such as police reports, medical records, or affidavits is required.
- Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
- USCIS may ask for more evidence to prove the validity of your marriage.
- Having strong documentation from the start helps avoid delays.
The removal of conditions process typically takes 24-48 months, depending on:
- USCIS workload – High caseloads can lead to delays.
- Application completeness – Well-prepared applications with strong evidence are processed faster.
- Additional reviews or RFEs – Missing documents or weak evidence can extend wait times.
How IBP Immigration Law Can Help
Removing conditions from your green card is a crucial step toward permanent residency and eventual citizenship. IBP Immigration Law provides:
- Expert Guidance: Attorney Ingrid Perez, a leading immigration lawyer, oversees each case.
- Comprehensive Case Preparation: We help gather strong evidence to support your application.
- Waiver Support: If you’re divorced or facing hardship, we guide you through the waiver process.
- Interview Preparation: If required, we prepare you for your USCIS interview.
- Transparent Communication: Regular case updates and prompt responses to your questions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Failing to file on time can result in loss of status and possible removal proceedings. If your green card has expired, contact an attorney immediately.
Yes. If you divorced, were abused, or suffered extreme hardship, you can file with a waiver. You must provide strong evidence to support your case.
USCIS may waive the interview if your evidence is strong. However, if your case raises concerns, an interview may be required.
Yes. If you receive a receipt notice (Form I-797) extending your status, you can travel internationally and re-enter the U.S.
On average, 24-48 months, depending on USCIS backlogs and case complexity.
Ready to Secure Your Permanent Residency?
Filing Form I-751 to remove conditions is essential to maintaining your legal status in the United States. Let IBP Immigration Law guide you through every step with expertise and care.
- Schedule a Consultation: Speak with an attorney today.
- Explore More Resources: Read our blogs and watch our videos.
- Start Your Application: Send us your case for a direct call.
At IBP Immigration Law, we are committed to helping individuals and families secure their permanent residency and future in the U.S. through trusted legal representation.