Removal of Conditions Lawyer Washington, DC

While most green cards are valid for 10 years, this isn’t true for all of them. If you married a U.S. citizen (or permanent resident), you received a conditional green card. This kind of green card usually expires in two years and will need to be renewed. Don’t risk something as important as your lawful permanent residency. For help with renewing your green card, one of our Washington, DC Removal of Conditions attorneys can guide you through the process.

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

Fortunately, there’s a way to renew your conditional green card to one valid for the next 10 years. That’s where Form I-751 comes into play. If you’re holding a marriage-based conditional green card, it expires after a quick 2 years. To keep your residency status in the country, you’ll need to petition to remove the conditions on your residency.

Our Washington DC Removal of Conditions Attorneys Can Check Your Eligibility

If you’re a conditional green card holder and it’s nearing the end of its two-year validity period, it’s time to do something about it. Most USCIS forms can be tricky to fill out, and the Removal of Conditions form is no different. Do you have questions about how to change a conditional green card into a permanent one or how to become a permanent resident in Washington, DC? If so, let our team of Removal of Conditions lawyers assist you.

The eligibility requirements for filing Form I-751 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

The most straightforward scenario is if you are still married to your spouse, but the process can still be a bit challenging. If your spouse has passed, or you’ve filed for divorce, or worse, they’re abusive, this can make filing for a Removal of Conditions to get your 10-year green card much more difficult. You’ll need to prove a few different things and collect a lot of different documents.

Don’t risk your permanent residency because you are unsure how the process works. Despite your situation, we can help you gather the necessary information and documents while guiding you through filing Form I-751.

How Do I File Form I-751?

Once your conditional green card is nearing its expiration date, it’s time to file for a new one. Depending on your situation, the amount of documentation you’ll need to submit will vary. Unfortunately, no matter if you’re still married or your situation has changed, to file Form I-751 correctly, you’ll have to locate a lot of paperwork.

In its simplest form, you must supply:

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

Things become even more complex 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 most 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 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 by check, money order, or credit card (using Form G-1450 for credit card payments). The cost is $595.
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 Washington DC Lawyer Today

Your marriage-based green card has a shelf life of two years, and once it expires, you must renew it. To protect your legal residency in the United States, it’s important to file for a Removal of Conditions before your conditional green card expires. This is the only way to switch from a conditional green card to a permanent one.

If you need help with the process, consider 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.