If your conditional green card is about to expire, it’s time to take the next step toward permanent residency. Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, allows conditional permanent residents—typically those who gained their status through marriage—to remove the conditions on their green card and obtain a 10-year permanent resident card.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about supporting documents, filing requirements, evidence, affidavits, and the I-751 process, all explained by the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link.
What Is Form I-751?
Form I-751 is used to remove conditions on a conditional green card, securing full lawful permanent resident status. To be approved, you must demonstrate that your marriage was authentic and entered into in good faith, not solely for immigration benefits.
Even if your marriage has ended, you can still apply—so long as you can prove the relationship was originally genuine. Because these cases can be complex and carry the risk of losing your immigration status, consulting an immigration attorney at Green Card Link is highly recommended.
Do You Have a Conditional Green Card?
A conditional green card is issued when an individual has been married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident for less than two years at the time of applying for permanent residence. These cards are valid for a shorter period than standard green cards. If you entered the U.S. on a CR-1 visa, you have a conditional green card.
Who Needs to File Form I-751?
If you currently hold a conditional green card, you must file Form I-751 to remove the conditions on your permanent resident status. Failing to do so will result in your green card’s expiration and potential removal proceedings by USCIS.
To avoid complications and delays, the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can assist you in preparing and submitting your petition correctly the first time.
What Happens After I-751 Approval?
Once your I-751 petition is approved, you’ll receive a 10-year green card, officially transitioning from conditional to lawful permanent resident status.
You may also become eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship after three years if you’re married to a U.S. citizen, or after five years otherwise. Importantly, the time spent under a conditional green card counts toward your citizenship eligibility period.
I-751 Processing Times
According to USCIS, the average I-751 processing time is about 21.8 months. This timeframe varies depending on the service center’s workload and backlogs. You can check current estimates using the USCIS Case Processing Time tool online.
When Should You File Form I-751?
The appropriate filing time depends on your marital situation:
Married and Filing Jointly
File your joint petition with your spouse within 90 days before your conditional green card expires. Do not apply earlier than 90 days before the expiration date, and avoid waiting until after it expires.
If your card has already expired, you may request an exemption by providing a written explanation of why you couldn’t file earlier. However, USCIS approval of such exemptions is not guaranteed.
Filing Individually
If your marriage ended due to divorce, annulment, or death, you may still file independently to remove the conditions. You’ll need to request a waiver of the joint filing requirement and provide evidence of good faith marriage and, if applicable, proof of extreme hardship.
It’s crucial to have an experienced immigration attorney at Green Card Link review your case to ensure all required documentation and hardship claims are properly presented.
Expired Conditional Green Card
If your green card has expired, you can still file late by including a written explanation detailing the reason for the delay. USCIS may grant exceptions if the delay resulted from extraordinary circumstances beyond your control and if you can show good cause for the lateness.
Step-by-Step Guide to Form I-751
Below is an overview of how to complete Form I-751. Be sure to type or print all responses in black ink.
At Green Card Link, our immigration attorneys guide you through every step of this process—ensuring accuracy, compliance, and the highest possible chance of approval.
Part 1: Information About the Conditional Resident
Provide your personal details—full legal name, birth date, country of birth and citizenship, A-Number, Social Security Number (if applicable), and address. You’ll also answer questions regarding legal proceedings or criminal history.
Part 2: Biographic Information
This section requests your ethnicity, race, height, weight, eye color, and hair color.
Part 3: Basis for Petition
Indicate whether your conditional residence is based on your own marriage or your parents’ marriage to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. If you’re not filing jointly, specify the reason under “Waiver or Individual Filing Request”, such as:
- Death of a spouse
- Divorce or annulment after a good faith marriage
- Victim of domestic violence or extreme cruelty
- Extreme hardship if removed from the U.S.
Part 4: Information About Your U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident Spouse
Enter basic information about your spouse, including name, date of birth, and address.
Part 5: Information About Your Children
List the names, birth dates, A-Numbers, and addresses of your children, if applicable.
Part 6: Accommodations for Disabilities or Impairments
If you have a disability (such as visual or hearing impairment), indicate any assistance you may require from USCIS.
Parts 7–10
These final sections confirm that all submitted information is accurate and include certification details for any interpreters or preparers who helped you complete the petition.
Form I-751 Removal of Conditions: Complete Document Checklist
When filing Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence), you must provide thorough documentation to demonstrate the authenticity of your marriage and maintain your lawful permanent residency status. Below is a detailed checklist prepared by immigration attorneys at Green Card Link to help ensure your petition is accurate and complete.
Essential Documents for Form I-751
You should prepare and include the following:
- Copies of your conditional green card (front and back)
- Copies of your children’s green cards (if they are listed on the petition)
- Proof of a genuine marriage, such as:
- Joint lease, mortgage, or property deed
- Utility bills showing both names
- Shared financial accounts and insurance
- Joint tax returns or other shared assets
- If not filing jointly, evidence explaining why, such as a divorce decree, spouse’s death certificate, or other relevant documents
- If applicable, documentation supporting a waiver request (e.g., records of domestic abuse or hardship)
- Court or police records if you have been convicted of a crime
- Written explanation if your filing is late
- Military applicants filing abroad must include two passport-style photos, Form FD-258 (fingerprint cards), and military orders
Completing this process on your own can be overwhelming. The immigration attorneys at Green Card Link simplify the I-751 process so you can focus on your future in the United States.
Proving the Legitimacy of Your Marriage
Your immigration attorney at Green Card Link may advise you to submit additional supporting evidence to prove that your marriage is authentic. Examples of I-751 relationship evidence include:
Proof of Shared Life and Residence
- Lease or mortgage documents
- Property deeds
- Utility bills in both names
- Joint bank statements
- Insurance policies or joint tax returns
Proof of Family and Relationship
- Children’s birth or adoption certificates
- Family photos, vacations, and events
- Children’s school or medical records
- Cards, letters, or shared correspondence
- Receipts from gifts exchanged between spouses
Providing strong, consistent documentation significantly improves your chances of a successful outcome.
Where to File Form I-751
Your filing location depends on your state or territory of residence. Always confirm the latest USCIS mailing address on the official USCIS website before submitting your petition.
If You Live in These States or Territories:
Alabama, Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, Arkansas, Armed Forces (Europe, Pacific, Americas), California, Colorado, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Palau, Puerto Rico, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming
Mail to the USCIS Phoenix Lockbox:
- USPS Deliveries:
USCIS
Attn: I-751
P.O. Box 21200
Phoenix, AZ 85036-1200 - FedEx, UPS, or DHL Deliveries:
USCIS
Attn: I-751 (Box 21200)
2108 E. Elliot Rd.
Tempe, AZ 85284-1806
If You Live in These States or Territories:
Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Wisconsin
Mail to the USCIS Elgin Lockbox:
- USPS Deliveries:
USCIS
Attn: I-751 (Box 4072)
2500 Westfield Drive
Elgin, IL 60124-7836 - FedEx, UPS, or DHL Deliveries:
USCIS
Attn: I-751 (Box 4072)
2500 Westfield Drive
Elgin, IL 60124-7836
Form I-751 Filing Fee
The I-751 filing fee is $750.
You may pay using:
- Money order, personal check, or cashier’s check (payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security)
- Credit card (Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions) when filing at a USCIS Lockbox facility
After Submitting Your I-751
After submission, you should receive a Form I-757 receipt notice confirming that USCIS received your petition. Processing times vary depending on your service center, but your green card remains valid until a final decision is made.
USCIS may require an interview. If approved, you will receive your 10-year green card by mail.
You can check your case status anytime on the USCIS website. If your case is delayed, contact USCIS directly for updates.
Common Reasons for I-751 Denial
USCIS may deny your petition if:
- Your marriage is found to be fraudulent, annulled, or invalid.
- You missed your interview or filed late without valid justification.
- You provided incomplete, false, or inconsistent information.
If denied, you will receive a Notice to Appear (NTA) for removal proceedings. However, options exist to defend your residency, such as filing a new petition, submitting a motion to continue proceedings, or presenting new evidence.
I-751 Affidavit of Support
An I-751 Affidavit of Support can play a critical role in proving your marriage’s legitimacy. This affidavit—written by friends, family members, or community leaders—serves as a sworn statement confirming your relationship is genuine.
[Affiant Name]
[Affiant Address]
[Date]
[USCIS Address]
Subject: Affidavit of Support for [Petitioner and Spouse’s Names]
Dear USCIS Officer,
I, [Affiant Name], have personally known [Petitioner and Spouse] for [number] years and can confirm their relationship is genuine and built on love and commitment. I have attended family gatherings, witnessed their interactions, and can attest that their marriage is authentic.
I declare under penalty of perjury that the information provided is true and correct. Please contact me at [phone/email] for further questions.
Sincerely,
[Affiant Name]
[Date of Birth and Place of Birth]
The affiant should clearly describe:
- How they know the couple
- The duration of their acquaintance
- The nature of their relationship with the couple
- Observations supporting the marriage’s authenticity
Form I-751 Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file Form I-751 online?
No. The I-751 form must be printed, signed, and mailed to the correct USCIS address. You may use online tools to prepare it, but submission must occur by mail.
Why does USCIS require a mailed submission?
Form I-751 often includes numerous supporting documents, making physical submission necessary to ensure all evidence and signatures are received together.
Who is the petitioner for Form I-751?
The conditional permanent resident requesting to remove conditions from their green card.
How long does I-751 processing take?
On average, 21.8 months, though this may vary by service center and case volume.
Do all applicants need an interview?
Not always. While required by law, many interviews are waived due to backlogs.
How many photos are needed?
Two passport-style photos per petitioner and dependent, regardless of age.
How long is conditional residency valid?
Two years from the date of issuance after marriage to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Does the affidavit need to be notarized?
Not necessarily, but it should include a sworn statement affirming the truthfulness of the contents.
Get Professional Guidance from Green Card Link
Filing Form I-751 can be stressful, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Green Card Link, our experienced immigration attorneys provide personalized guidance, review your documentation, and help you build the strongest possible case for approval.
Start your I-751 process today—contact Green Card Link for a consultation and let our experts guide you every step of the way.