Headman Law Group represents Removal of Conditions (Form I-751) clients in Washington — for policy, research, and international-organization professionals. U.S. immigration law is federal, so we guide Washington-area clients through the same proven process we use nationwide — most steps handled by video and secure document exchange, with no need to visit an office.
What Is Removal of Conditions?
When someone obtains a green card based on a marriage that was less than two years old at the time of approval, they receive conditional permanent residence — a green card valid for only two years. Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, is how the conditional resident converts that status into permanent residence with a 10-year green card.
The condition exists to confirm the marriage was entered into in good faith rather than to obtain an immigration benefit. The I-751 must be filed in the 90-day window before the conditional green card expires, and most couples file jointly. Where joint filing is not possible, a waiver of the joint-filing requirement may be available.
Why Timely Filing Matters
- Converts a 2-year conditional card into a 10-year green card.
- Preserves lawful permanent resident status without interruption.
- Keeps your timeline to naturalization on track.
- Avoids automatic termination of status for failing to file.
- Extends your status automatically while the petition is pending.
- Waivers available if the marriage ended or involved abuse.
Joint Filing vs. Waiver
The default is a joint I-751 filed by both spouses, showing the marriage remains genuine. The couple submits evidence of a shared life together built up over the two-year conditional period.
If the marriage has ended in divorce, if the petitioner's spouse has died, or if the conditional resident or a child suffered battery or extreme cruelty, a waiver of the joint-filing requirement may be requested. A waiver can also apply where removal would cause extreme hardship. We assess which basis fits and assemble the corresponding evidence.
I-751 Filing Bases
An I-751 is filed on one of the following bases, each with its own evidentiary focus.
Joint Filing With Spouse
The couple is still married and files together, demonstrating the marriage was entered into in good faith and continues.
Divorce Waiver
The marriage was entered into in good faith but has ended in divorce or annulment; the conditional resident files alone with a waiver.
Death of Spouse
The petitioning spouse has died; the conditional resident files with a waiver showing the marriage was bona fide.
Battery or Extreme Cruelty
The conditional resident or their child was subjected to battery or extreme cruelty by the U.S. citizen or LPR spouse.
Extreme Hardship
Termination of status and removal from the United States would result in extreme hardship.
Removal of Conditions Process
The I-751 timeline is anchored to the expiration of your conditional green card.
Confirm the Filing Window
For joint filings, we file Form I-751 in the 90 days before your conditional card expires. Waiver-based filings can be made at other times.
Assemble Bona Fide Evidence
We compile evidence covering the two-year conditional period — joint finances, housing, insurance, photos, and affidavits.
File Form I-751
We prepare and file the petition on the correct basis. USCIS issues a receipt that automatically extends your status while the case is pending.
Interview (If Required) & Approval
USCIS may waive or schedule an interview. On approval, the conditions are removed and you receive a 10-year green card.
Required Documents
Evidence covering the full conditional period is key. Most filings include the following.
Core Documents
- Copy of the front and back of the conditional green card
- Form I-751 with filing fee
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree or death certificate (waiver cases)
Bona Fide Marriage Evidence
- Joint lease, mortgage, or property records
- Joint bank and financial account statements
- Joint insurance and beneficiary designations
- Children's birth certificates (if any)
- Photos together across the conditional period
- Affidavits from people who know the couple
Waiver Support (if applicable)
- Documentation of divorce or annulment
- Police reports, protective orders, or counseling records (abuse cases)
- Evidence of extreme hardship
Frequently Asked Questions
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