The I-751 Joint Petition To Remove Conditional Status

If you’ve been married for less than two years (and the I-130 and the I-485 has been approved) the immigrant spouse is given conditional residence. During those two years, as you build your married life together, make sure you document it well: pictures, joint bank accounts, joint tax returns and love letters. 90 days before the second anniversary of receiving your conditional permanent residence, it’s time to have the conditions removed. This is done by filing the I-751. Along with the form you’ll have to produce documentation that your marriage is legitimate. Using the documents you’ve saved over the years, you’ll apply for the conditions to be removed as a couple. Both spouses need to sign the form and prepare for an interview. Once the I-751 is approved, you will be issued a legal permanent residence card (green card) that is not conditional. It’s yours! Click here to learn how to keep your permanent residence. On the third anniversary of your permanent residence (and you’re still married), you can start thinking about naturalization.