When you receive a marriage-based green card and have been married for less than two years at the time of approval, USCIS issues a conditional permanent resident card valid for two years. To remove these conditions and receive a 10-year green card, you must file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, within the 90-day window before the card expires.

Timing is absolutely critical. Filing too early will result in a rejection. Filing after the card has expired puts you at risk of losing your permanent resident status and potentially being placed in removal proceedings. Mark your calendar as soon as you receive the conditional card.

Both spouses must typically file the I-751 jointly, signing under penalty of perjury that the marriage was entered in good faith and remains bona fide. The evidence required goes beyond what was submitted for the initial green card — USCIS wants to see proof that the marriage has continued and deepened over the two-year conditional period.

Strong evidence includes joint tax returns for both years, updated joint bank statements, new lease or mortgage documents, insurance policies listing both spouses, birth certificates of children born during the marriage, and affidavits from friends and family who have personal knowledge of the relationship.

If you are no longer married to the petitioning spouse due to divorce, death, or abuse, you may still be eligible to file a waiver of the joint filing requirement. The most common waivers are based on divorce (with proof the marriage was genuine), battery or extreme cruelty by the U.S. citizen spouse, or extreme hardship if removed from the United States.

For Indiana residents, the I-751 is processed by the California Service Center or the Potomac Service Center. Processing times currently range from 18 to 36 months. In most cases, the conditional green card is automatically extended for 48 months from the expiration date while the I-751 is pending, and you will receive an extension notice and a stamp in your passport as proof of continued status.

The I-751 interview is less common than the initial green card interview but still possible. If selected, both spouses must attend unless a waiver has been approved. Preparing organized evidence and being ready to discuss your life together over the past two years is the best strategy for success.