Form I-751Explained
What is Form I-175?
Conditional permanent residents who achieved status by marriage utilize Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, to seek that the conditions on residence be removed and they become lawful permanent residents.
Who needs to file Form I-751?
If you have a conditional Green Card based on marriage, you cannot renew it like other Green Card holders. Instead, you must use Form I-751 to remove the time restriction after two years.
You might be wondering why these Green Cards are conditional to begin with. The answer is simple: to avoid fraud. USCIS wants to verify sure your marriage is genuine and that you did not marry your spouse just for the purpose of becoming an LPR (Lawful Permanent Resident or Green Card holder).
Required documents when filing Form I-751
If you want your Green Card conditions removed, submit the following documents with your I-751 petition:
-
A certified copy of your Green Card (both sides)
-
Establish that your marriage began "in good faith." This might be:
Demonstrate that your marriage began "in good faith." This might be:
- birth certificates for joint children
- joint apartment or mortgage rental contracts - financial papers demonstrating shared property or savings
-Documents from relatives attesting to the "realness" of your marriage
- any additional documentation that verify your marriage is genuine
If you've been widowed, you'll need your spouse's death certificate.
Evidence of the abuse, such as police reports or medical documentation, court orders, or other records, if you were the victim of domestic violence.
If you're divorced, you'll need a copy of your divorce decree.
Other documents that, depending on your scenario, prove your status
Criminal and court records
Copies of all requested papers
If the documents are written in a foreign language, translations are required.
How to file Form I-751
When filling out the form by hand, use black ink and write neatly, legibly, and within the space provided.
Because USCIS uses scanners, don't highlight or paint over your text. On each sheet, write your name, date of birth, and Alien Registration Number (also known as A-Number or USCIS number).
All fields must be completed. Fill in "N/A" for text boxes and "0" for numeric fields if you have nothing to say.
You will go through the following steps to remove the conditions from your Green Card:
-
On the USCIS website, you can get the most recent version of the I-751 form.
-
Learn about the required proof in your case, exclusions and waivers, and payment procedures by reading the most recent accessible instructions.
-
Fill out Form I-751.
-
If you're filling out the form by hand, double-check your signature before sending it to USCIS. As soon as they begin the process, you will receive notification.
-
You must pay the filing fees.
-
Please provide more information (if required).
-
Attend your biometrics appointment (if required).
-
Attend an interview (if required).
-
Get the outcome of your case.
Please contact us to schedule an appointment with immigrationservice.com to complete Form-175. We are delighted to assist you.
How much does it cost to file Form I-751?
Prepare to pay the following fees when filing Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence:
-
Fee for filing Form I-751: $595
-
$85 for biometric services
-
The cost of court and criminal records varies.
-
The cost of translating materials into a foreign language varies.
Processing time for Form I-751?
The time it takes to remove the conditions from your Green Card through the I-751 process varies depending on:
-
The waiting periods vary depending on whether you are filing jointly with your spouse or alone (with a waiver) in your individual situation and the US state in which you are filing the petition.
What happens if I don’t file Form I-751 in time?
If you do not submit Form I-751 on time, your permanent resident status may be terminated.
If this is the case, the US Department of Homeland Security will send you a Notice to Appear (NTA) (DHS). You must appear before an immigration judge, according to the NTA.
Can I file I-751 online?
Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, is currently unavailable for filing online. However, after filing, USCIS lets you to add a paper-filed case to your online account so you can track its progress at any time.
What happens after filing I-751?
USCIS will issue you a "Form I-797 Notice of Action" a few weeks after you file Form I-751, which is a simple receipt stating that processing has begun. Carry Form I-797 with you at all times to extend and prove your conditional residence until the process is completed.
May I also file I-751 if I’m divorced?
You can still file the I-751 petition after your divorce if you married your ex in good faith. This is also true if:
-
Your spouse died
-
Your marriage was annulled
-
You were physically abused by your husband, or you were subjected to serious cruelty by your spouse,
-
Losing your status would cause you great suffering.
These exceptions are also available to offspring of LPRs when submitting petitions.
Do I need a lawyer to remove conditions with I-751?
You don't have to hire an attorney to get rid of your conditional status. However, if you believe your case is extremely intricate and that things are unclear or difficult to prove, you should get legal assistance. We can help