Conditional Residence Period for New Marriages

Why immigrants in new marriages must go through a two-year testing period.

If you are a U.S. green card holder interested in applying for U.S. citizenship (naturalization), but your first two years of U.S. residence are or were “conditional” rather than “permanent,” how does that affect the waiting period before you apply to naturalize? By way of background: In ordinary

It's not as simple as switching from one spouse to the next with regard to marriage-based permanent residence applications!

Timing and overview of the process of going from conditional to permanent residence.

Dealing with the period between filing the I-751 and awaiting a USCIS decision.

How to document your good faith marriage in order to request that your two-year, conditional green card be turned into a permanent one.

If you have a good reason for filing late, or qualify for a waiver, it will likely be worth submitting Form I-751 even after the deadline.

Navigating the joint petition on Form I-751, for marriage-based green card applicants who received two-year conditional approval.

Waivers are available for conditional residents seeking permanent residence without their spouse's cooperation.

Possibilities for going from conditional to permanent U.S. residence despite a divorce from your U.S. citizen petitioner.

Guidance for conditional residents whose marriage ended before the two-year expiration date on their green card.

If you are a conditional resident and a victim of domestic violence, this waiver may help you.

No need to wait until the two years are ending -- widows and widowers can submit their I-751 for permanent residence immediately after the death of a spouse.

Actual physical harm is not required in order for a conditional resident to claim a waiver of the joint filing requirement on USCIS Form I-751.

Strategies for dealing with problems that arise for an immigrant in divorce proceedings who is still a conditional resident, and who still faces the challenge of applying for permanent residence.

If, during your marriage, your U.S. spouse physically or emotionally abused you or your child, you will be allowed to file Form I-751 alone, and without waiting for the 90-day window before your conditional resident status expires.

This comprehensive guide contains detailed information on filling out and submitting Form I-751.