Removal of Conditions

Form I-751 is used to remove the conditions for conditional permanent residents who obtained status through marriage

 

These are general answers to generic questions and should not be construed as legal advice. Every case should be reviewed by an experienced immigration attorney.

If an individual obtains resident status in the US through marriage, and at the time the resident status was granted the marriage was less than 2 years long, the resident will receive conditional permanent resident status.

Conditional resident status is granted the day of lawful admission into the United States through an immigrant visa or adjustment of status to permanent residence.

Status is considered conditional because it must be proven that the marriage was not entered into for the sole purpose of evading the United States immigration laws. To do so, you must file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence within the 90 days prior to the expiration of your conditional resident card.

Eligibility for Removal of Conditions

Conditions may generally be removed, if:

  • You are still married to the same U.S. citizen or permanent resident after 2 years. You can include your children in your application if they received their conditional-resident status either at the same time as you or within 90 days after you did;
  • You entered a marriage in good faith, but the marriage ended through divorce or annulment;
  • You entered a marriage in good faith, but either you or your child were abused or subjected to extreme hardship by your U.S.-citizen or permanent-resident spouse;
  • You are a widow/widower who entered your marriage in good faith; or
  • You are a child that cannot be included in your parents’ application.

*Specific eligibility requirements and procedures for removal of conditions on permanent resident status are included in 8 CFR Section 216 of the Immigration and Nationality Act’s (INA) Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).

Removal of Conditions: Application Process

The application process begins with you and your spouse applying together by filing a Form I-751. The process should take place during the 90 days before your second anniversary as a conditional resident. The expiration date on your green card is also the date of your second anniversary as a conditional resident.

If you are no longer married to or have been battered or abused by your U.S.-Citizen or Lawful Permanent-Resident Spouse or Parent, it is possible to waive the joint filing requirement. You may apply to remove conditions on your permanent residence at any time after becoming a conditional resident, but prior to being removing from the country. In this case, providing evidence of extreme hardship consequently of removal from the United States is necessary.

You may request a waiver of the joint petitioning requirements if:

  • You entered into your marriage in good faith, and not to evade immigration laws, but the marriage ended by annulment or divorce, and you were not at fault in failing to file a timely petition
  • You entered into your marriage in good faith, and not to evade immigration laws, but during the marriage you or your child were battered by, or subjected to extreme cruelty committed by your U.S. citizen or permanent-resident spouse, and you were not at fault in failing to file a joint petition
  • Your removal would result in extreme hardship

An interview may be required to demonstrate eligibility to remove the conditions on your residence. It is critical to seek or at minimum consult with an experienced immigration attorney, prior to filing the removal of conditions applications. If so, you will receive an appointment notice informing you when and where to appear for your interview.

Our Orlando Immigration Law office has assisted people from all over the US, including but not limited to New York, Illinois, Florida, Texas, and California for removal of conditions.

Child and Minors: Conditional Green Card

If you and your child received conditional resident status within 90 days of each other, then your child may also be included in your application to remove the conditions on permanent residence. If not, your child must file a separate I-751 application.

Failure to File within the 90-day period

Failure of properly filing Form I-751 within the 90-day period before your second anniversary as a conditional resident will result in:

  • The receival of a notice from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), informing you of your failure to remove conditions;
  • The automatic termination of conditional resident status, and removal proceedings against you will begin;
  • You will receive a Notice to Appear at a hearing, at which you may review and refute the evidence against you.

The Form I-751 can be filed with USCIS after the 90-day period, only if you can provide evidence – in writing – to the director of the appropriate Service Center that there was good cause for failure to remove conditions. Life can be complicated, often times there is a valid reason for the late-filing.  It would be essential to consult with an experienced attorney regarding the late filing of your 751 application. The late filing will be adjudicated, if the the good cause was accepted and all other requirements were met, the approval of the Form I-751 and restoration of your permanent resident status will occur at the discretion of USCIS.

Denial and Appeal

If your application is denied, you will receive a letter from USCIS detailing the reason behind the denial. Removal proceedings could begin immediately after, and you are permitted to have an immigration judge review the denial of your application during removal proceedings. You will be able to present additional evidence such as witness testimony. If the immigration judge decides to remove you from the country, you may generally appeal this decision within 30 days of the removal decision.

 

 

 

5 Star Reviews

★★★★★

Our highly experienced immigration team has received numerous 5-star reviews from our Removal of Conditions Testimonials clients. Below are some of them. Please follow the link to read more reviews!

    ★★★★★

    Mr. Mubarak represented me in the removal of my conditional status and then again in my application for naturalization; not only was I able to obtain my permanent residency, despite the complexities of my case, but I was also able to naturalize within 3 years, thanks to his diligence, persistence and hard work. He and his team are very passionate about their work and put their hearts into helping their clients out and easing the immigration process from start to finish. Rest-assured that, as their client, you will always feel you are in good hands and they will always have your back.

    I am now just a few days shy of attending my naturalization oath ceremony and I could not be happier. Thanks to Mr. Mubarak and his team, I can finally call the US my home. I feel privileged to have hired Mr. Mubarak and I know for a fact he will now be my go-to attorney for any immigration-related matters pertaining to my family. My decision to hire Mr. Mubarak has literally reshaped my life. Don’t even think twice about hiring him -- just do it!

    ★★★★★

    I hired Mr Mubarak for condition removal from my temporary green card and then for my citizenship, because of his professionalism and knowledge I was able to get the condition removed without an interview and then we filed for citizenship.He made the process smoother. He rocks and i would highly recommend his services. Thanks to Mr Mubarak and his amazing team.

    ★★★★★

    Mr. Nayef Mubarak is, hands down, the most ethical, knowledgeable, dedicated and experienced immigration attorney out there. I understand each case is unique, but mine was challenging in its own way. I recall being quite emotional and in despair when I first met with Mr. Mubarak. Yet, he was extremely patient and empathetic and eased me into the requirements of removing my conditional status on my 2-year green card. I was ready to give up, but he never gave up on me, or my case, and turned what seemed like a daunting process into a horizon of hope. He made me see the light at the end of the tunnel. He, and his team (Gloria and, previously, Grace), worked relentlessly on my case; so much so that I can now proudly say I am a US permanent resident who is in the process of applying for naturalization thanks to his proactive efforts. Thank you, Mr. Mubarak, for having paved the way for me to rebuild my life in the US after what I have endured. Your remarkable guidance and reassurance have been invaluable and I truly can never repay you for your efforts. How can you repay someone who has given you a chance at transforming your life? You can’t. I would gladly, and proudly, refer anyone in need of a skilled immigration attorney to your office. You have restored my faith in humanity. You are a Godsend.

Immigration Law