Navigating the world of immigration law can be a daunting experience. You might ask yourself, “Do I need a lawyer to file Form I-751?” In this blog, we’ll discuss what Form I-751 is, who needs to file it, and how an immigration lawyer like Kasturi Law can help you through the process. As a Naperville Immigration Lawyer, we understand the importance of having professional legal assistance when dealing with immigration matters.
Form I-751 is typically filed by individuals who have obtained their conditional permanent resident status through marriage to a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (LPR). The two-year conditional residency is granted to ensure that the marriage is genuine and not entered into solely for immigration purposes.
If you have been granted conditional residency, you must file Form I-751 jointly with your spouse or, in some cases, individually (in cases of divorce, spousal abuse, or extreme hardship, for example) to prove that your marriage was genuine and not to evade immigration laws.
The I-751 processing time varies, but filing the form within the 90-day window before your conditional residency expires is essential. Failing to file within this timeframe can result in the termination of your conditional resident status and the initiation of removal proceedings.
To file Form I-751, you must complete and sign the form, attach the required supporting documents, and submit the appropriate filing fee. Supporting documents may include evidence of your marital relationship, such as joint bank account statements, property records, and affidavits from friends or family who can attest to the authenticity of your marriage.
Once your Form I-751 is filed, USCIS will issue a receipt notice extending your conditional residency while your petition is being processed. If the USCIS has concerns or requires additional evidence, they may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) or schedule an interview with you and your spouse.
While it is possible to file Form I-751 without the assistance of an immigration attorney, having professional legal help can significantly increase your chances of success and alleviate stress. An experienced immigration lawyer like Shobhana Kasturi, can help guide you through the complex process, ensuring that your application is complete, accurate, and submitted on time. Also, hiring an experienced lawyer can mean that the presentation and amount of evidence are sufficient not to warrant an interview for the I-751. While most I-751’s do not have interviews, some do, and often that is because of how much evidence was submitted.
An immigration attorney in Naperville or elsewhere can provide valuable assistance in several ways:
While it is possible to file Form I-751 without the assistance of an immigration lawyer, having professional legal help can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Shobhana Kasturi (from Kasturi Law, LLC), as a Naperville Immigration Lawyer, can provide the assistance you need to navigate the complex process of removing conditions on your residency. Don’t leave your future to chance. Reach out to an experienced immigration attorney in Naperville today.