Petition to Remove Conditions on Permanent Residence (Form I-751)
Complete guide to USCIS Form I-751 — purpose, requirements, fees, processing times.
Legal basis
INA § 216 — 8 U.S.C. § 1186aPetition to Remove Conditions on Permanent Residence (Form I-751)
Under the April 2024 USCIS fee schedule, Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, costs $750 by mail — biometrics are included, with no separate fee. The form is filed in the 90 days before a 2-year conditional green card (obtained through recent marriage to a U.S. citizen) expires, to obtain a 10-year unconditional green card.
Download the official form
USCIS publishes Form I-751 as a free PDF. Always download the current version directly from USCIS — third-party copies may be outdated.
- Download Form I-751 (PDF) — official USCIS source
- Download Instructions for Form I-751 (PDF) — read before filling out the form
- File Form I-751 online with USCIS (where supported)
What is it for?
Request removal of conditions on your 2-year green card (obtained through recent marriage to US citizen) to get a 10-year unconditional green card.
Who needs it?
People who received a 2-year conditional green card through marriage to US citizen less than 2 years before adjustment of status.
Processing time
Typical range: 18-36 months processing (severe backlog). Receipt notice extends card validity 48 months during processing.
⚠️ Verify current time: USCIS Processing Times · Your case status
Fee
$750 (paper; biometrics included since the April 2024 fee schedule)
How to file
By mail. Must be filed in the 90 days before expiration of your conditional green card.
Required documents
- Completed Form I-751
- Copy of conditional green card (front and back)
- Evidence of continued bona fide marriage: birth certificates of children together, joint bank accounts, joint leases, insurance policies with spouse beneficiary, joint tax returns (MFJ), photos together over time, joint travel
- If divorced/separated: divorce decree + waiver explaining why marriage ended
- Fee payment
Current USCIS processing times
USCIS publishes the time in which 80% of cases complete, per form, category, and office. The table below renders from our automatically maintained copy of the official data — always verify against the live system before relying on a deadline.
The time in which 80% of cases complete, by category and office. Data from the official USCIS system (2026-05-26) · verify live
| Category | Office | 80% complete within |
|---|---|---|
| Removal of lawful permanent resident conditions (spouses of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents) | Service Center Operations (SCOPS) | 31 Months |
| Removal of lawful permanent resident conditions (spouses of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents) | All Field Offices | 38.5 Months |
Frequently asked questions
What if I don’t file I-751 on time?
Your permanent resident status terminates automatically 90 days after conditional green card expiration. You become deportable. If you have good reason for delay, you can request reconsideration, but it’s difficult.
Does my spouse have to sign the I-751 with me?
Yes, by default. It’s a joint petition. EXCEPT if: (1) spouse died, (2) you divorced and marriage was bona fide but ended (waiver), (3) you or your children were abused by the citizen spouse (VAWA-style waiver).
How long does it take and can I work while waiting?
18-36 months. Yes you can work — the I-751 receipt notice extends your green card 48 months for I-9 (employment) and re-entry after traveling purposes.
Do I have to attend an interview?
USCIS may call an interview if they have doubts about the marriage. Not always. If documents are solid and consistent, they may approve without interview.
If I divorce before 2 years, do I lose everything?
Not necessarily. You can file I-751 individually with waiver, showing the marriage was bona fide (real, not fraudulent) but ended. Evidence of marriage during its duration + reasons for divorce. Consult attorney.
Related information
Last verified: 2026-05-24. General information — not legal advice. Always verify at USCIS.gov.
Related procedural information
- Consulate of your country in the US — passport renewal, consular ID, document apostille
- ITIN — file federal taxes without SSN — required regardless of immigration status
- USCIS form library — federal immigration forms (I-130, I-485, N-400, etc.)
- Find an immigration attorney — pro bono lists + AILA + BIA-recognized
- Know Your Rights — ICE encounters — constitutional protections
Frequently asked questions
What if I don't file I-751 on time?
Does my spouse have to sign the I-751 with me?
How long does it take and can I work while waiting?
Do I have to attend an interview?
If I divorce before 2 years, do I lose everything?
The rules change. Hear about it first.
Monthly digest of USCIS, IRS, and consulate fee, form, and deadline changes — no spam.
General information, not legal advice. MigrantUSA is an independent publisher and is not a law firm; using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship, and this content is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney about your specific situation. US federal, state, and local government procedures, fees, and forms change. Always verify current details directly with the relevant agency before acting. For immigration, tax, or other legal matters specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or BIA-accredited representative.