Dallas Green Card Removal of Conditions Lawyer

Green cards are typically valid for 10 years from the date they are issued. However, not all green cards have such a long shelf life. Individuals who’ve gotten one through marriage most likely were issued what’s called a conditional green card. They’re only valid for two years but can be renewed and converted into a traditional green card. Don’t risk your residency status by letting it lapse. For help with renewing your green card, one of our Dallas Removal of Conditions attorneys can guide you through the process.

What Is USCIS Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence)?

You can renew your conditional green card and receive a traditional one that’s good for 10 years by filing for a Removal of Conditions. If you’re holding a marriage-based conditional green card, it expires after just 2 years. To keep your residency status secure, you’ll need to petition to remove the conditions on your residency.

Our Dallas Removal of Conditions Attorneys Can Check Your Eligibility

It’s recommended that 90 days before your conditional green card expires, you file Form I-751 to remove the conditions of your residency. Unfortunately, like most USCIS forms, I-751 can be confusing and tricky to fill out. It’ll need to be filed jointly with your spouse, although under certain circumstances, it’s not necessary. Do you have questions about how to change a conditional green card into a permanent one or how to become a permanent resident in Dallas? If so, let our team of Removal of Conditions lawyers assist you.

The eligibility requirements for the Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence include:

You’re still married to your U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse
Your child or children received their green cards at the same time as you
You are a child who can’t be included in your parents’ green card application
Your spouse died
You divorced your spouse, but your marriage was bona fide
Your spouse abused you or your children

For those who are still married, filing for the removal of conditions is more or less a straightforward process. However, if you fall under the other scenarios listed above, the filing process becomes much more complicated. It entails much more paperwork and much more evidence of your situation. Working with an experienced Removal of Conditions attorney in Dallas, regardless of which scenario applies to you, will help to make the process that much easier.

How To File Form I-751

Approximately 90 days before your conditional green card expires you’ll need to file Form I-751 to receive a 10 year residency card. The amount of documentation required will depend on whether you’re still married. Unfortunately, no matter your scenario, you’ll still need to supply USCIS with a lot of information.

If you’re still married, you’ll need:

You and your spouse’s signatures on the completed Form I-751
Copies of your green card, front and back
Recent photos of you and any children you have
Proof that your marriage is genuine. Examples of acceptable proof can include:
- Joint ownership of a house or apartment in Chicago
- Shared bank accounts or credit cards
- Bills or mail addressed to you and your spouse at your shared Chicago address
- Insurance policies naming each other as beneficiaries
- Joint tax returns

However, filing Form I-751 becomes significantly more complicated if:

Your spouse has died
You and your spouse have divorced or are legally separated
Your spouse was abusive to you or your child
You fear if you returned to your home country, it would cause you extreme hardship

The basic steps to filing for a Removal of Conditions generally include:

Downloading Form I-751:
- Go to the USCIS I-751 page to download the latest version of the form and instructions.
Filling Out the Form:
- Complete all sections of Form I-751.
- If you are filing with your spouse, select “joint filing.” If you are filing alone due to divorce, abuse, or other reasons, select the appropriate waiver.
Gathering the Required Documents:
- Proof of Marriage: Examples typically include joint bank statements, mortgage/lease agreements, insurance policies, and photos together.
- Copy of Green Card: Provide a copy of both the front and back of your conditional green card.
- Waiver Documents (if applicable): If filing alone, include proof like divorce papers, evidence of abuse, or documents showing hardship.
Paying the Filing Fee:
- Pay the $595 filing fee by check, money order, or credit card (using Form G-1450 for credit card payments).
Submitting the Form:
- Mail the completed form, documents, and payment to the correct USCIS address based on your location. The address can be found in the I-751 instructions.
Waiting for USCIS Processing:
- USCIS processing can take 12–18 months. While waiting, you’ll receive a receipt that extends your conditional green card status by 24 months.
Attending an Interview (if required):
- USCIS may schedule an interview to verify your marriage. Bring your original documents and be prepared to answer questions about your relationship.

Contact a Removal of Conditions on Residence Lawyer Today

Don’t put your residency status at risk by letting your conditional green card expire. While the process may be intimidating, it’s something that must be done.

The most stress-free way to file is by working with one of our experienced Removal of Conditions lawyers. If you’re unsure how to do so or have questions or concerns, schedule an appointment with MyImmigration today.