Form I-751 Complete Guide: Affidavit, Instructions, Checklist

Your conditional green card is close to expiring, so it’s time to move to a regular one. Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, is for conditional permanent residents who received their status via marriage and want to remove their permanent residency status conditions and get a 10-year green card. Keep reading to learn about the required supporting documents, how to file the form, required evidence, an I-751 affidavit sample, and explore some frequently asked questions.

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What Is Form I-751 Used For?

Form I-751 is used to request the removal of conditions on your conditional green card, allowing you to secure permanent resident status. To be approved, you must provide evidence that your marriage was genuine and not entered into solely for immigration purposes.

If your marriage has ended but you have a conditional green card, you can still apply to remove the conditions, as long as you can prove the marriage was originally genuine. Because these cases are complex and carry the risk of losing immigration benefits, it’s strongly recommended to consult an immigration attorney.

Do I Have A Conditional Green Card?

USCIS grants a conditional green card to individuals married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident for less than two years old when they apply for permanent residence. These conditional green cards differ from regular green cards because they have a shorter validity period. If you have a CR-1 visa, you have a conditional green card.

Who Should File Form I-751?

If you have a conditional green card, you must file Form I-751 to remove permanent resident status conditions. Otherwise, your conditional green card will expire, and USCIS will begin removal proceedings against you. Planning on bringing your spouse to the U.S.? VisaNation is here to help you make the entire experience as seamless as possible.

What Happens After the I-751 is Approved?

After I-751 approval, you will receive a 10-year green card, successfully transitioning from conditional to lawful permanent resident status.

You will also be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship after 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen, or 5 years otherwise. The time spent with a conditional green card counts towards this timeline.

What are I-751 processing times?

The I-751 processing time according to USCIS data is 21.8 months. This time can vary depending on the service center processing your case, due to demand and backlogs. Use the USCIS case processing tool for an estimate.

When to File Form I-751

When should you consider filing the form? The answer depends on whether you are:

Married and Filing Jointly

Ninety days before your conditional green card expires, submit a joint petition with your spouse. Don’t apply before the 90 days, and don’t wait until after it expires to apply. If your conditional green card is expired, you can get an exemption by writing a letter explaining why you could not file before the expiration. However, be aware that there are no guarantees that USCIS will grant the exemption.

Filing Alone

If your marriage is overdue to a death, divorce, annulment, etc., you still can file for the removal of conditions yourself. There is a section to fill out to waive the joint filing requirement. Make sure your lawyer reviews all your information to ensure you demonstrated extreme hardship.

Expired Conditional Green Card

You can still file the form if your conditional green card has expired. However, there are specific criteria. First, you must submit a letter clearly stating why you are filing late. USCIS may make an exception if the delay was due to extraordinary circumstances and if the length of the delay was reasonable, thus demonstrating good cause. extraordinary situations outside the applicant’s control is a good reason for a late filing.

Form I-751 Instructions – Step by Step

Below, you will learn how to fill out the form in our I-751 instructions manual. The first step after downloading the form is to type or print all your responses in black ink. At VisaNation, we are here to assist you and answer all your questions about any form or document. We ensure that your application is completed to the highest standard to increase the chances of approval. Get started today!

Part 1: Information About You, the Conditional Resident

This section pertains to information about you (conditional resident). Fill in your first, last, and middle names and any other names you have used in a legal context. Also, fill out your birth date, country of birth, country of citizenship, A-Number, U.S. Social Security Number (if applicable), USCIS online account number (if applicable), marital status, the mailing address/physical address, and the additional questions in line 18-23. Some of the questions include:

• Are you in removal, deportation, or rescission proceedings?
• Did you pay a fee to anyone other than an attorney in connection with this petition?
• Have you ever been arrested, detained, charged, indicted, fined, or imprisoned for breaking or violating any law or ordinance?

Part 2: Biographic Information

The second section asks questions regarding your ethnicity, race, height, weight, eye color, and hair color.

Part 3: Basis for Petition

The first question in this section asks if the conditional residence is based on your marriage to your spouse or your parents’ marriage to a U.S. citizen/lawful permanent resident. Select the appropriate box. If you cannot file a joint petition, select the reason why in the “Waiver or Individual Filing Request” section. The options are:

• My spouse is deceased
• My marriage was entered in good faith, but the marriage was terminated through divorce or annulment.
• I entered the marriage in good faith, and, during the marriage, I was battered, or was the subject of extreme cruelty, by my U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse.
• My parent entered the marriage in good faith, and, during the marriage, I was battered, or was subjected to extreme cruelty, by my parent’s U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or by my conditional resident parent.
• The termination of my status and removal from the United States would result in extreme hardship.

Part 4: Information About the U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident Spouse

In this section, enter the basic information about the green card holder or U.S. citizen spouse.

Part 5: Information About Your Children

If you have children, fill out their names, birthdates, and A-Numbers in this section along with their physical address(es).

Part 6: Accommodations for Individuals with Disabilities and/or Impairments

If you possess disabilities or an impairment (i.e., deaf, blind, etc.) that you need assistance with from U.S. immigration officials, document it in this section.

Parts 7 and 8

These parts help verify that all the information you and your spouse submitted is accurate and that you understood all the questions.

Part 9: Interpreter’s Contact Information, Certification, and Signature

If you used an interpreter, their details will be entered in this section.

Part 10: Contact Information, Statement, Certification, and Signature of the Person Preparing this Petition, If Other Than the Petitioner

This section provides information about anyone who assisted you in completing the form.

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Form I-751 Removal of Conditions Documents Checklist

You will need the following documents for removing conditions of a green card using I-751:

• Copies of your conditional green card or permanent resident card (front and back view)
• Copies of any children’s green cards (if they are included on the petition)
• Documentation supporting the legitimacy of the marriage (paper trail showing you cohabitated, lease, mortgage, utility bills, joint financial accounts, shared assets, etc.)
• If you are not filing jointly, evidence to demonstrate why like a divorce decree, spouse’s death certificate, etc.
• Should you have been convicted of a crime or any criminal activity, give this documentation
• If applicable, you should include documentation in support of why you are filing alone (spouse’s death certificate, documentation of domestic abuse, etc)
• If applicable, you should attach an explanation of why you are filing late

Are you a military personnel filing abroad? If you are, include two passport-style photographs, the fingerprint cards (Form FD-258), and your military orders.

It’s a hard task to keep track of the requirements, know which forms apply to your situation, and submit your first-ever immigration application. Let VisaNation make the process easy for you. Get started today!

Document to Prove Relationship Legitimacy – I-751 Evidence

Your immigration attorney may advise you to submit additional legal documents to demonstrate the relationship. Forms of I-751 evidence include:

• Proof of shared residency
  • Mortgage/lease
  • Property deed
  • Bill from the utility company
  • Joint bank statements
• Proof of raising children together
  • Children’s birth certificates/ adoption certificates
  • Photos of the couple with the children
  • Children’s school or medical records
• Other forms of proof:
  • Photos from vacations, weddings, parties
  • Written or mailed communications
  • Receipts from gifts exchanged

Where to File Form I-751

The I-751 filing address depends on where you reside in the U.S. Always consult the USCIS website highlighting the appropriate office before mailing the form.

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, No State, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Palau, Puerto Rico, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming

Mail Your Form to the USCIS Phoenix Lockbox:

For USPS Deliveries:

USCIS
Attn: I-751
P.O. Box 21200
Phoenix, AZ 85036-1200

For 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 Your Form To the USCIS Elgin Lockbox:

For USPS Deliveries:

For FedEx, UPS, or DHL Deliveries:

I-751 Fee

The I-751 filing fee is $750.

• You may pay the fee with a money order, personal check or cashier’s check.
• When filing at a USCIS lockbox facility, you may also pay by credit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions.
• If you pay by check, you must make your check payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Service centers are not able to process credit card payments.

Next Steps After Submitting Your Form

Keep an eye out after filing the form because you should receive a confirmation receipt (Form I-757) from USCIS that they received it. The overall processing time for the form will change depending on which service center is handling it and the length of their wait times. Regardless, your green card will be valid until USCIS decides on your I-751.

Be aware that you may have to interview with USCIS as a conditional green cardholder. If all goes well and USCIS approves your petition, you will receive a notice and a 10-year green card via mail.

Checking I-751 Status

As with many USCIS forms, you can check the status on their website. If the application is taking longer than expected, you can contact USCI to request an update as to the status of your application.

Reasons for Form I-751 Denial

There are generally only three reasons for denial:

• Your marriage was fraudulent, or judicially annulled, or you have filed another immigrant status application
• You failed to attend the interview or filed your application late without any justification
• You provided inconsistent or false information on your application

What To Do If Denied

You will receive a Notice to Appear (NTA) if your application is denied. Removal proceedings will be initiated against you, and you will be required to attend a court hearing. However, you can defend your residence status:

1. File a new I-751 on different grounds than the first one
2. Submit a motion to continue the removal proceedings against you
3. If your second petition is approved, then file a new motion to end the removal proceedings against you
4. If your second petition is denied, the judge will decide whether your petition was denied on reasonable grounds. In this case, your conditional green card will be valid until the end of the proceedings

I-751 Affidavit of Support

An I-751 affidavit can be an essential component in proving the legitimacy of your marriage. USCIS maintains the right to investigate any marriage they suspect is a sham marriage. If USCIS finds your marriage fraudulent, serious repercussions may occur, including criminal penalties and even imprisonment. Therefore, an I-751 Affidavit, written by a family member, community leader, or friend, is a great document to share with immigration officials to support your relationship legitimacy.

Affidavit of Support Sample

Below is an I-751 Affidavit Sample – try to follow a similar format. The affiant is the affidavit writer.

[Affiant Name]

[Affiant Address]

[Date]

[USCIS]

[USCIS P.O. Box Address]

Subject: Affidavit of Support for John and Jessica Myers

Dear USCIS Officer,

Allow me to introduce myself – my name is Gabriella Munez, and I was born in Los Angeles, California, in 1990. I’veknown John Myers (spouse of Jessica Myers) since the early 2000s and have been present for many of his notable life events, including meeting and falling in love with his now-wife Jessica. I have spent considerable time with the couple, seeing them at least once a year for the past five years, and I have witnessed for myself how they are in a committed and loving marriage.

I was present at John and Jessica’s marriage in 2019; such a beautiful ceremony and joining of two families! I look forward to the day this couple will be attending my wedding! They have spoken about growing their family by having kids in the next few years, and I think they will be excellent, kind parents. I swear in this letter that the information is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at (809) 382-9928 or email me at [email protected].

Regards,

Gabriella Munez

[Date of birth and birthplace]

To recap, it’s essential for the person writing the affidavit of support to explain:

• how do they know you
• the nature of your relationship with them and your spouse
• the length of time they’ve known you
• Any other relevant information they can provide to bolster your case

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Form I-751 Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file I-751 online?

Even though many USCIS forms are available for online filing, the I-751 petition to remove conditions on residence isn’t one of them. You’ll need to print the completed form, sign it, and send it by mail to the correct USCIS address (which varies based on where you live and how you’re filing).

You can use an online service to help prepare the form—that part’s digital-friendly. But when it comes to officially filing it, the paper version is still required.

Why does it have to be mailed?

USCIS requires a physical copy of the I-751 because it often includes a lot of supporting documents (like evidence of your relationship) and sometimes even a waiver request. Mailing everything ensures USCIS gets all the necessary signatures and documentation in one place and can properly review your case.

So while technology helps you prepare, the final step still happens through the mailbox.

Who is the petitioner in Form I-751?

The petitioner is the conditional green card holder who wants to remove the conditions on the green card.

What are I-751 processing times?

The I-751 processing time according to USCIS data is 21.8 months. This time can vary depending on the service center processing your case, due to demand and backlogs. Use the USCIS case processing tool for an estimate.

Does I-751 require an interview?

Yes, every applicant must attend an in-person interview to remove the conditions on their green card. This is a requirement as per applicable U.S. immigration law. However, due to the massive immigration backlog, this requirement is usually waived for most applicants.

How many photos do you need for I-751?

You will need two photos for each petitioner and dependent. The photos must be passport-style and colored. You must provide the photos regardless of the age of your dependents.

How long is conditional permanent residency valid?

After getting married to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, it is valid for the first two years.

Do USCIS affidavits need to be notarized?

You don’t need to notarize the I-751 affidavit of support, but you should include a sworn statement that the contents are true and accurate.

Who needs an I-751 Affidavit of Support?

Conditional permanent residents who would like the conditions of their green card removed should obtain an affidavit from a friend, relative or community leader close to them.

What is the I-751 request for an additional evidence letter?

If the USCIS is not satisfied with the evidence that you provided or the evidence is not clear, they will ask you to submit additional evidence. In many cases, you will not need to present evidence you have already submitted. Instead, you will be expected to provide new documentation that would strengthen your petition.