About Form I-751 and how it helps you obtain permanent residence
If you obtained conditional permanent residence in the United States through marriage to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, it is critical that you know how to remove those conditions to permanently secure your legal status.
Form I-751, officially called the Petition to Remove Conditions on Residency, is the key document in this process.
By filing this application correctly, you can obtain a permanent Green Card valid for 10 years.
Requirements for elimination of residency conditions
To successfully complete the I-751 Petition, you need to prove that your marriage is legitimate. Evidence may include:
- Joint invoices for services or purchases.
- Rental or mortgage contracts in both names.
- Shared bank accounts.
- Family or couple photographs.
- Affidavits from family or friends confirming the relationship.
Who is required to file Form I-751?
Este formulario debe ser presentado por quienes:
- They received conditional residency by marriage.
- They had been married for less than two years at the time they obtained their Green Card.
- They wish to demonstrate that their marriage is real and not for immigration convenience.
📅 Deadline to submit the form
You must submit the petition within 90 days prior to the expiration of your conditional Green Card.
What happens if you file after the deadline?
Filing outside this period may jeopardize your immigration status, generating:
- Loss of residency.
- Initiation of deportation proceedings.
📌 Step by step to complete I-751
1. Complete the form accurately
Enter your personal information and that of your spouse, and answer each section honestly.
2. Gather supporting documentation
Include proof of cohabitation and real relationship, such as contracts, shared accounts, and family photos.
3. Pay the corresponding fees
Check the updated fee on the official USCIS website and follow the payment instructions.
4. Send the complete package
Send the form along with the documentation and receipt of payment to the address indicated by USCIS. Keep a copy of everything sent.
📬 What happens after I submit the I-751 form?
After submitting the application:
- USCIS will send you an acknowledgement of receipt (I-797) that automatically extends your conditional residency for 24 months while your case is being processed.
- In some cases, you may be called in for an interview to confirm that the marriage is genuine.
📌 Tip legal: Si te separaste o divorciaste, aún podés presentar el I-751 con una exención. Consultá con un abogado de inmigración para más información.
What if there are inadmissibility issues?
In complex cases where there is a ground of inadmissibility, you may also need a Form I-601 (Application for Waiver of Inadmissibility). This form allows you to continue the immigration process despite certain background or legal problems.
✅ Your pathway to permanent residency
Obtaining permanent residency through Form I-751 is a crucial step to become legally established in the United States. Be sure to follow all the requirements, file your application on time and support it with proper documentation.
📞 Contact us today for professional and personalized advice
If you are applying for the removal of conditions on your Green Card or are facing complications with your immigration status, we are here to help!
