What is Form I-751?
What is Form I-751?
Form I-751, officially called the “Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence,” is used by individuals who obtained their green card through marriage and were granted conditional permanent resident status. Conditional residency is typically given to those whose marriage was less than two years old at the time their green card was approved. The purpose of Form I-751 is to remove these conditions and allow the individual to obtain a 10-year green card, which can then be renewed indefinitely.
If you received a conditional green card based on your marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, you must file Form I-751 to transition from conditional resident status to full permanent resident status.
Why Do Conditional Residents Need to File Form I-751?
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) imposes a two-year conditional residency on marriages to prevent fraudulent marriages for the sole purpose of obtaining a green card. To ensure that the marriage is genuine and ongoing, the couple must file Form I-751 together within 90 days before the two-year anniversary of receiving the conditional green card.
By filing this petition, the couple provides evidence that their marriage is still valid, and once approved, the applicant will receive a permanent green card without the two-year condition.
When to File Form I-751
The timeline for filing Form I-751 is important to maintain your legal status in the U.S. You must submit the form during the 90-day window before your conditional green card expires. Failing to file within this period can result in the loss of conditional resident status and may lead to deportation or removal proceedings.
If your marriage has ended due to divorce or annulment, or if you're a widow or widower, you may still be eligible to file Form I-751 on your own by requesting a waiver of the joint filing requirement. In certain cases, individuals who have experienced abuse or extreme hardship in their marriage may also apply for a waiver.
Required Documentation
To remove the conditions on your residency, you must provide USCIS with evidence that your marriage is genuine. Supporting documents may include:
Joint financial records (bank statements, tax returns, insurance policies)
Lease or mortgage agreements showing joint residence
Birth certificates of children born during the marriage
Photos, travel records, or affidavits from family and friends attesting to your relationship
These documents help demonstrate that your marriage is not solely for immigration purposes and has been ongoing since receiving conditional status.
What Happens After Filing Form I-751?
Once you submit Form I-751 and the required documentation, USCIS will review your case. You will receive a receipt notice that extends your conditional residency for 18 months while your petition is being processed.
USCIS may schedule an interview to further review your relationship, although interviews are often waived if the evidence submitted is strong enough. If your petition is approved, you will receive a permanent 10-year green card, and the conditions on your residency will be removed.
Consequences of Failing to File Form I-751
If you fail to file Form I-751 on time or if your petition is denied, your conditional resident status will automatically be terminated, and you may be placed in removal proceedings. However, if you miss the filing deadline for good reason, you can request that USCIS accept a late submission by providing a valid explanation.
How 123Citizen Can Help
At 123Citizen, we are here to assist you in navigating the process of removing conditions on your residency. Our platform offers step-by-step guidance, ensuring that your Form I-751 is filed accurately and on time. We help you gather the necessary documents, avoid common mistakes, and stay informed about any changes to your application status.
Whether you’re filing jointly with your spouse or seeking a waiver, 123Citizen simplifies the process, so you can focus on your life in the U.S. Let us help you take the next step toward permanent residency. Contact us today for more information on how we can assist with your immigration journey!
