Tag: conditional green card

How soon can I renew my two year green card?

How to renew your conditional green card? File Form I-751 within 90 days of expiration to avoid mistakes and denial.You can apply to renew your two-year conditional green card by filing Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, in the 90 days prior to the expiration date on your green card. For example, if your green card expires on 12/31/23, you can file anytime between October 2, 2023 and December 31, 2023. However, wait until about October 4 to file—so that it’s not early, but don’t wait until December 31, 2023 to file–make sure USCIS gets it well before December 31. 

USCIS will reject/deny your Form I-751 if you file too early or too late. Sometimes USCIS will reject the application right away, and you’ll know to fix your mistake. However, sometimes USCIS will not realize the application was early or late until it gets around to looking at your case in 12 to 17 months. If your case is denied at that point, the best case scenario is that you re-file with a good explanation for the now-late application. Worst case scenario is that USCIS denies your Form I-751 and puts you into removal (deportation) proceedings that will take years and years to complete, even if you are sure to win in Immigration Court.  

To be successful on your green card renewal, you must prove that you were in a “real marriage,” that is, that you did not fake the marriage to get a green card. Also, you must file on time. Green card renewal applications with Form I-751 are difficult to prepare and win, and USCIS is always looking for fraud in I-751 applications. Don’t file a I-751 application without an experienced immigration attorney!

 

If you need to talk to an experienced immigration attorney. We’ve helped hundreds of people traverse the complicated immigration and citizenship process. We would love to help you as well.  Call (617-676-0503) or email hello@cambridgeimmigrationlaw.com to get in touch.

What happens if I do not renew my two year green card?

If you do not renew your two-year green card, you may lose lawful status. Learn more from Cambridge Immigration Law.If you do not renew your two-year conditional green card, it will expire, and you may lose your lawful status in the United States. If you continue to stay in the United States without lawful status, you may be subject to deportation or removal proceedings.

It is important to note that the process of renewing a two-year conditional green card is different from renewing a regular 10-year green card. If you fail to file a timely petition to remove the conditions on your residence, you may lose your status as a lawful permanent resident.

Therefore, it is essential to file a timely petition to remove the conditions on your residence by filing Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, with USCIS within 90 days of the expiration date on your green card. If you fail to file the petition on time, you may request a late filing waiver, but it is generally granted only in extraordinary circumstances.

If you believe that you may not be able to file your petition on time, it is recommended that you consult with an experienced immigration attorney who can advise you on your options and help you develop a strategy for renewing your green card.

 

If you need to talk to an experienced immigration attorney. We’ve helped hundreds of people traverse the complicated immigration and citizenship process. We would love to help you as well.  Call (617-272-7980) or email hello@cambridgeimmigrationlaw.com to get in touch.

Renewing your conditional green card when no longer living with spouse

Renewing your conditional green cardRenewing your conditional green card (or “removing the conditions on your residence”) requires you to file Form I-751 with your spouse. If you are no longer living together, your spouse can still support your application to renew your conditional green card by signing Form I-751 and providing information and documents for the application. If you are separated, you should explain to USCIS what happened with the relationship. 

If you were abused by your spouse, OR if you are divorced, or if your spouse has died, you can file a waiver application (still on Form I-751). However, if you are NOT legally and fully divorced AND your spouse will not help you with the I-751, you can apply for the waiver if there was abuse in the marriage OR if you prove that you will suffer if the I-751 is not approved. If there is no abuse, we advise our clients to move forward with divorce as quickly as possible so that their case is not solely based on hardship.

 

If you need to talk to an experienced immigration attorney. We’ve helped hundreds of people traverse the complicated immigration and citizenship process. We would love to help you as well.  Call (617-272-7980) or email hello@cambridgeimmigrationlaw.com to get in touch.

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Marriage-Based Green Card Document Guide

We work hard to make your immigration case easy for you. Use this easy guide to help you organize the documents that you would use if you are eligible to submit an application for a marriage-based green card application. You should consult with an attorney to figure out if you are eligible for a green card before you submit any applications or documents to the U.S. government.