Call Today to Get Started With Your Visa!
15+ Years of High Success Rates

When a Spouse of a Citizen Is Granted Conditional Resident Status

Among the relatives of U.S. citizens that are generally eligible for a green card are spouses. It is important to note though that, sometimes, the permanent resident status granted to spouses of citizens is conditional. Generally, this status is conditional if, at the time it was given, the marriage was less than two years old.


Conditional permanent resident status typically lasts for two years. Generally, at that point, the conditions either have to be removed or the spouse loses his or her permanent resident status.


There is a process for spouses to pursue having the conditions on their permanent resident status removed as their two-year conditional status period nears its end. To start this process, a spouse generally has to jointly file Form I-751 with his or her U.S. citizen spouse (there are a few narrow exceptions to the requirement to file jointly).


There is a specific window for filing this form. The window opens 90 days prior to the end of the two-year conditional status period (there are some exceptions to this) and closes when the conditional status period ends.


Once the form is filed, there are various additional steps the process may involve, including an interview. As a note, sometimes, the interview can be waived. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services recently issued new guidelines on when officials can waive interviews.


What happens when a spouse that was granted conditional permanent resident status is pursuing having the conditions on his or her status removed is very impactful. Failing to file Form I-751 on time or having one’s request to have conditions removed denied can lead to a spouse losing his or her green card and facing removal from the United States. Skilled immigration attorneys can help spouses with navigating the condition removal process and avoiding common pitfalls.

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

Recent Posts

J1 Visa

J-1 Visa Waiver : Application, Process & Eligibity

Embarking on a journey with the J-1 Visa? This guide provides a brief yet comprehensive overview of the J-1 Visa application, process, and eligibility criteria. Whether you’re a prospective participant or a sponsor, unravel the key steps and requirements to

LEARN MORE

How to Choose an Immigration Attorney? Easy Guide

The United States immigration system is complicated, confusing, and often frustrating.  That is why choosing the right immigration attorney is crucial to achieving a successful outcome for your case.   Selecting an immigration attorney to help you can be overwhelming and

LEARN MORE
Marriage green card interview

Preparing For Marriage Green Card Interview

Preparing for your Marriage Green Card interview? We’ve got your back! In this quick guide, we’ll help you get ready smoothly. Let’s make sure you’re well-prepared for a successful interview. Dive in for essential questions and tips to ease your

LEARN MORE

Sweta Khandelwal

Sweta completed her Masters in Law from the University of California, Los Angeles and her JD from the Faculty of Law, Delhi University in India and has been practicing law for 15+ years getting visas, green cards, and citizenship for 1000+ clients, 100+ companies across 50+ nationalities.

Sweta has been recognized as a ” Super Lawyer, Rising Star,” and as amongst the ” Top 40 under 40″ immigration attorneys in California (American Society of Legal Advocates). She is also the recipient of the Advocacy Award by the American Immigration Lawyers Association.

Sweta is also a chartered accountant — the equivalent of a CPA. This makes her uniquely positioned to understand the immigration needs of her business clients in the broader context of their corporate objectives.

Sweta is actively involved with immigration issues and immigrant communities in various capacities. She has assumed key roles at the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), both at the local and national level. She has been a past chair at the Santa Clara Valley Chapter at AILA and has also been involved in various practice area committees at AILA National. Sweta has addressed multiple conferences/forums in the United States and worldwide on immigration and business issues.

San Jose Office

95 South Market Street, Suite 410, San Jose, CA 95113
Phone: (408) 542-0499

San Francisco Office

404 Bryant Street, San Francisco, CA 94107 Phone: (408) 317-4662

San Jose Office

2225 East Bayshore Road, Suite 200 Palo Alto, CA 94303
Phone: (408) 317-4662

Contact Us