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Call Us Today

630-392-8101 | 630-392-8101
info@kasturilaw.com

The U.S. immigration system can be complex, particularly when it involves conditional green cards. A Conditional Green Card, typically valid for 2 years, is granted to individuals under specific circumstances, such as through marriage to a U.S. citizen or as an entrepreneur. The primary objective of this conditional status is to ensure the authenticity of the individual’s intent, be it in a marital union or business venture.

At Kasturi Law, LLC, our experienced Schaumburg immigration attorneys understand the intricacies of conditional green cards and are adept at guiding clients through the process of converting their conditional status to permanent residency.

Conditions to Remove from a Marriage-Based Green Card


Individuals who obtain a Green Card through marriage are initially given conditional resident status. This is primarily to prevent fraudulent marriages solely intended to circumvent immigration laws. To transition from a conditional green card to permanent residency, applicants must file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, jointly with their U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse. This process involves providing substantial evidence that the marriage was entered in good faith and still exists or, in certain cases, ended due to divorce, annulment, or the death of the U.S. citizen spouse.

Conditions to Remove from a Green Card for Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs who receive a Conditional Green Card through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program must also meet specific requirements to remove conditions from their status. Form I-829, Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status, is the key document in this process. It requires proof that the entrepreneur has made the necessary investment in a U.S. business and that this investment has led to the creation or preservation of 10 full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers.

Petition to Remove Conditions on a Green Card

In both instances, whether the Conditional Green Card is obtained through marriage or as an entrepreneur, the holder must file a petition to remove these conditions. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires that this petition be filed within the 90-day window preceding the expiration of the Green Card. This timeline is crucial and non-negotiable. Filing the petition after the deadline can have severe repercussions, including the potential for loss of conditional resident status. In the worst-case scenario, this could lead to the initiation of removal proceedings.

The documentation required for this petition is comprehensive and varies depending on the basis of the conditional status.

  • For marriage-based conditional green cards, Form I-751 must be filed, usually jointly with the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse. This form requires proof of a bona fide marriage, such as joint bank statements, lease agreements, or birth certificates of children born to the marriage.
  • In the case of entrepreneurs, Form I-829 is necessary. This form requires evidence of the business investment and its impact on the U.S. economy, primarily through job creation.

Given the intricacies and potential pitfalls of this process, engaging with a knowledgeable immigration attorney in Schaumburg is a prudent step. An attorney can provide guidance on the precise documentation needed, ensure that all forms are correctly filled out, and help navigate any complications that may arise during the process.

Why Would Your Petition to Remove Conditions Get Denied?

A petition to remove conditions on a Green Card might get denied for various reasons, often relating to insufficient or unconvincing evidence. If the petition, such as Form I-751 for marriage-based green cards or Form I-829 for entrepreneurs, lacks comprehensive proof, it may lead to skepticism about the legitimacy of the marriage or the business investment.

  • For marriage-based petitions, USCIS looks for evidence of a bona fide relationship. The absence of joint financial documents, cohabitation proof, or other shared responsibilities can raise doubts.
  • In the case of entrepreneur-based petitions, failure to demonstrate the required job creation or investment in a U.S. business can result in denial.
  • Additionally, filing errors, such as incomplete forms or missed deadlines, are common pitfalls.

Timeliness is crucial; missing the 90-day filing window before the Conditional Green Card’s expiration can lead to denial. Therefore, meticulous preparation and understanding of the required documentation are key to avoiding denial.

If you are seeking to remove conditions from your Green Card, contact us today for a consultation. Our team of proficient Schaumburg immigration attorneys possesses the experience and dedication required to guide you through each step of the process.