A conditional green card is a green card that is issued to people who have been approved for U.S. permanent residence based on a recent marriage (a marriage that is less than two years old).
These green cards only last for two years. Within 90 days before the expiration date printed on the card, conditional green card holders must file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence to remove the conditions on the green card.
The process of removing the conditions on the green card may include an interview.
Preparing for I-751 Interview
After filing your Form I-751, you may be asked to go to an in-person interview at a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office.
During the interview, you may be asked about the information in your application, including the evidence you provided in support of the truthfulness of your marriage. The immigration officer is looking to confirm that:
- You got married legally in the place where the marriage took place
- Your marriage has not ended in annulment or divorce, unless your spouse has passed away
- You didn’t get married just to get a green card
- You didn’t pay your spouse any fee to marry you and sponsor you (and any of your children) for a green card
You should be prepared to answer any questions the immigration officer can ask in relation to any of the above. A good tip is to review the answers you gave on your I-751 application and the evidence you presented along with the application.
Removing the Conditions on Green Card
In general, removing the conditions on the green card is a process that must be completed as a couple. However, there are some exceptions to filing as a couple (also known as “filing jointly”) in cases of abuse or extreme hardship.
