Conditional 2-Year Green Cards
Congratulations! You and your spouse have made it through USCIS’ vetting, and you now have a green card that is valid for two (2) years. This conditional green card grants the same rights and privileges as a 10-year green card, but a Removal of Conditions application must be filed in the 90 days prior to the 2-year resident since anniversary in order to obtain a 10-year green card.
So why are there two different green cards?
USCIS will issue a conditional green card when the applicant has been married to their petitioning spouse, regardless of if the spouse is a green card holder or United States citizen, if you have been married for less than two years. This is USCIS’ safety net to weed out and deter marriage fraud.
What does the Removal of Conditions process look like?
The Removal of Conditions process, not to be confused with a green card renewal, requires the conditional resident and his/her spouse file an application with documentation to support that they are in a genuine relationship and planning a life together. This can include evidence of shared marital residence, comingled finances, estate planning, joint insurances, beneficiary designations, photographs, statements from friends and family and much more.
What if my spouse and I are no longer married or they are not willing to file with me?
You can still file to remove the conditions on your green card and be granted a 10-year card without your spouse. A waiver of the joint filing requirement is available if your spouse has died, you are divorced but entered into the marriage in good faith, or you entered into the marriage in good faith but were subject to abuse. Hiring the right professional does help!
The Removal of Conditions process is a very important step in your United States immigration journey. Filing the wrong application, filing too early/too late, or providing insufficient evidence can lead to your status as a green card holder being terminated. May Law Group has successfully filed hundreds of Removal of Condition applications, both joint filings and requesting a waiver of the joint filing requirement.
If your conditional card is expiring soon, please call 412-291-4400 to schedule your free consultation.