What Documents Do I Need to Submit with I-751: Your Essential Checklist

Form I-751 is a critical document for conditional permanent residents who seek to maintain their status in the United States. It serves as an application to remove the conditions on their residency.

Purpose of Form I-751

Form I-751, officially known as the Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, is used by conditional permanent residents who obtained status through marriage to request that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) lift the conditions on their residence. This step is mandatory for conditional residents who wish to continue living in the U.S. legally and eventually pursue naturalization.

Eligibility Requirements

Individuals are eligible to file Form I-751 if they are still married to the same U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident after two years, or if they are a child and cannot be included on a parent’s application. Additionally, those who entered the marriage in good faith but are now divorced, widowed, or have been subjected to extreme hardship or abuse may also apply.

Timelines for Submission

The petition must be filed during the 90-day period before the second anniversary of the grant of the conditional resident status. Filing late can result in loss of status and initiate removal proceedings. In certain cases, late filing with an explanation and proof of the extenuating circumstances may be accepted by USCIS.

The submission of personal documentation is a pivotal part of the I-751 petition, ensuring that an individual’s identity and marital status are authenticated. This section details the specific personal documents required when filing Form I-751.

Identification Documents

Petitioners must provide copies of the front and back of their current conditional permanent resident card (Green Card). U.S. passport-style photos may also be required, especially for those residing overseas. These identifiers serve as the foundational proof of the petitioner’s legal status and identity.

Marriage Certificate

A valid marriage certificate is required to establish the legitimacy of the marriage through which conditional residency was obtained. It is essential that this document is a government-issued certification confirming the marital union.

Financial Records

Submission must include financial records that demonstrate joint ownership and financial liabilities. These typically encompass joint bank account statements, joint tax returns, and joint ownership of properties or assets. Such documents substantiate the shared financial responsibilities within the marriage.

In the I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, applicants must substantiate their marriage’s legitimacy through various documents. Each piece of evidence should directly support the existence of a genuine marital relationship.

Joint Bank Statements

Joint bank statements serve as a financial testament to the shared life of the married couple. They are a crucial indicator of co-mingling of funds, consistent with a bona fide marriage. Applicants should include statements covering the period from the start of the marriage to the present.

Lease or Mortgage Documents

Documentation proving co-ownership or joint tenancy of a property illustrates a significant shared responsibility and investment in the marriage. A lease or mortgage with both spouses’ names is considered strong evidence.

Utility Bills

Utility bills in the names of both spouses or those showing a shared address, provide proof of cohabitation. These documents should show a consistent record of both parties living together over time.

Photographs and Statements

A selection of dated photographs depicting the couple together at various events and with family can corroborate the authentic nature of the relationship. Personal statements from third parties familiar with the marriage can also affirm the relationship’s validity.

When filing Form I-751, it’s crucial to present clear evidence of your conditional resident status. This provides a foundation for your petition to remove conditions on residence.

Green Card Copy

A petitioner needs to submit a clear photocopy of both the front and back of their current Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). This serves as a direct proof of their conditional resident status.

Travel Records

Travel records that fall within the period of conditional residence should be provided. These may include copies of stamps in one’s passport, which indicate dates of departure from and return to the United States, helping to establish the continuity of the petitioner’s residence, especially when considering travel after filing form I-751.

When filing Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, the applicant must provide specific legal documents. This ensures the verification of their legal history and compliance with immigration laws.

Criminal Record Checks

If the applicant has been arrested or detained by law enforcement for any reason, they must provide official records, regardless of the outcome of the arrest or detention. Documents include:

• Arrest reports: Detailed reports from the arresting agency.
• Court dispositions: Final judgments or outcomes from the court.
• Probation/Parole records: Documentation of any probation or parole, including terms and compliance status.

Court Records

Applicants must submit any court records if they have been involved in legal proceedings. The documents required may include:

• Divorce decrees: For applicants who were previously married.
• Custody agreements: If applicable, detailing the terms agreed upon.
• Other civil litigation documents: Relevant legal outcomes that might impact immigration status.

When completing Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, the applicant must follow the designated filing locations, pay the correct fees, and attend the biometric services appointment.

Filing Locations

The proper filing location for Form I-751 varies depending on the applicant’s place of residence. Applicants should consult the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website or the latest Form I-751 instructions to ascertain the appropriate mailing address. Failure to send the petition to the correct address may result in delays or rejection.

Fee Payment

As of the knowledge cutoff date, the fee for Form I-751 must be paid at the time of filing. The amount is subject to change, so applicants should verify the current cost on the USCIS website. Payment methods accepted include checks, money orders, and credit cards. If paying by check or money order, it should be made payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.”

Biometric Services

After filing, USCIS will schedule the applicant for biometric services at a local Application Support Center (ASC). The applicant will provide fingerprints, photographs, and possibly a signature. This step is mandatory for completing the background check and cannot be waived. Non-attendance can result in the petition’s delay or denial.

When submitting Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, applicants must provide extensive documentation to demonstrate the bona fide nature of their marriage. This paperwork is pivotal in establishing the authenticity of the relationship for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Affidavits from Friends and Family

Affidavits, written by friends and family, serve as personal testimonies to the authenticity of the marital relationship. Each affidavit should include:

• The full name and address of the affiant (person giving the affidavit)
• Their relationship to the applicant couple
• Details of how the affiant knows the couple
• Specific examples supporting the genuineness of the marriage

The goal is to add a personal dimension to the evidence, accompanied by other supporting documents.

Additional Evidence of Relationship

USCIS requires a range of documents showcasing shared obligations and commitments throughout the marriage. The following should be provided:

• Financial Documents: Joint bank account statements, insurance policies, tax returns
• Residency Evidence: Mortgage or lease agreements with both spouses’ names
• Utility Bills: Documentation showing joint responsibility for household expenses

Each piece of evidence should reflect continuity and longevity, encapsulating different stages of the couple’s life together.

When filing Form I-751, there are particular circumstances that necessitate additional, specific documentation to support the application. These situations typically involve changes in marital status or requests for waivers.

Divorce Decree

If an applicant divorced before the removal of conditions on their residency, they must submit a final divorce decree. The decree proves that the marriage has legally ended. USCIS requires this document to confirm the applicant’s eligibility for a waiver of the joint filing requirement.

Waiver Applications

For cases where the joint filing requirement of Form I-751 is waived, applicants must provide substantial evidence supporting the waiver request. Specific waivers exist for individuals who entered the marriage in good faith but either divorced, became widowed, or suffered battering or extreme cruelty. Documentation for waivers varies, but applicants should include proof that demonstrates the claimed basis for the waiver.

After meticulously gathering the necessary documents for Form I-751, it is crucial to ensure that the submission process is handled correctly and that acknowledgement from USCIS is received.

Evidence of Submission

Upon sending Form I-751 to USCIS, the sender should keep records of:

• Proof of mailing: This includes a copy of the completed form, any supporting documents, and the certified mail receipt.
• Payment confirmation: It is advisable to retain a copy of the check or money order used to pay the application fee or printed confirmation of an electronic funds transfer.

Notice of Action

After the submission of Form I-751, the applicant will receive a:

• Form I-797, Notice of Action: This serves as a receipt from USCIS acknowledging the receipt of Form I-751.
• Extension of status: If applicable, the Notice of Action may include a temporary extension of the applicant’s conditional residence status, often for a period of 12-18 months.

After a Form I-751 is submitted, there are crucial steps an applicant must take to ensure the process continues smoothly.

Responding to Requests for Further Evidence

If the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires more information, they may issue a Request for Further Evidence (RFE). The applicant should:

• Promptly respond to the RFE by the deadline provided. Missing this deadline can result in the denial of the application.
• Collect all requested documents ensuring they are complete and accurate.
• Make copies of the response packet, and send the originals to USCIS.

Interview Preparation

An interview may not always be required, but applicants should prepare as if they will be called in. The applicant needs to:

• Review all submitted forms and documents to ensure familiarity with their own case.
• Prepare to answer personal questions regarding their marriage and life together.
• Organize a file with copies of all submitted documents to take to the interview.