I-751 Joint Filing in Fullerton: Removing Conditional Green Card Status
Convert your 2-year conditional green card to permanent residence with your spouse
Quick Answer
Couples in Fullerton who received a conditional green card through marriage must file Form I-751 to remove conditions during the 90-day window before the 2-year anniversary. Joint filing with your spouse demonstrates your marriage is genuine and entitles you to a permanent 10-year green card.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
If you received your green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and your marriage was less than two years old when approved, you have a conditional green card valid for only two years. SoCal Immigration Services helps Fullerton couples navigate the I-751 process to remove these conditions and obtain permanent residence.
Understanding Conditional Green Cards
Why Conditional Status Exists:
Congress created this requirement to prevent marriage fraud. The 2-year condition ensures couples remain married and allows USCIS to verify the marriage was genuine.
Key Facts About Conditional Status:
• Valid for exactly 2 years (not renewable)
• Must file I-751 to remove conditions
• Failure to file results in automatic loss of status
• Filing window is 90 days before 2-year anniversary
When to File Form I-751
| Green Card Issue Date | Earliest Filing Date | Card Expiration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 1, 2024 | November 3, 2025 | February 1, 2026 | 90 days before expiration |
| March 15, 2024 | December 15, 2025 | March 15, 2026 | File as early as possible |
| June 30, 2024 | April 1, 2026 | June 30, 2026 | Don't wait until last day |
Joint Filing Requirements
- •Still legally married to the same U.S. citizen or permanent resident who sponsored you
- •Living together as a married couple
- •Entered the marriage in good faith (not for immigration benefits)
- •Both spouses must sign Form I-751
- •File within the 90-day window before card expiration
- •Pay required filing fees
- •Provide evidence of bona fide marriage
Required Documents for I-751
- •Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence
- •Copy of conditional green card (front and back)
- •Copy of spouse's proof of citizenship or green card
- •Marriage certificate
- •Birth certificates of children born during marriage
- •Joint bank account statements (showing both names)
- •Joint tax returns for both years of conditional status
- •Joint lease or mortgage documents
- •Joint utility bills (electric, gas, internet)
- •Joint insurance policies (health, auto, life)
- •Photographs of couple together over time
- •Affidavits from friends/family attesting to genuine marriage
- •Filing fee ($760)
Proving a Bona Fide Marriage
Financial Comingling:
• Joint bank accounts with regular activity
• Joint credit cards
• Joint investments or retirement accounts
• Tax returns filed jointly (most important)
Shared Residence:
• Lease or deed with both names
• Utility bills addressed to both
• Vehicle registration at same address
• Mail received at same address
Life Events Together:
• Photos from vacations, holidays, family events
• Children born during marriage
• Joint purchases (furniture, vehicles)
• Emergency contacts listing each other
Third-Party Evidence:
• Affidavits from family who've witnessed your marriage
• Affidavits from friends who know you as a couple
The I-751 Process Timeline
- 1Submit Application
Mail complete I-751 package to USCIS lockbox during 90-day window. Include all required forms, documents, and payment.
- 2Receive Receipt Notice
Within 2-4 weeks, receive Form I-797C receipt notice. This extends your green card validity for 24 months.
- 3Biometrics Appointment
If required, attend fingerprinting at local Application Support Center (Santa Ana or Los Angeles for Fullerton residents).
- 4Case Processing
USCIS reviews your application and evidence. Current processing times are 12-24 months depending on service center.
- 5Interview (If Required)
Some cases require interview at local field office. Both spouses must attend. Bring originals of all submitted documents.
- 6Decision
If approved, receive new 10-year permanent green card in mail. If denied, receive explanation and appeal options.
What If We're Separated or Divorced?
Waiver Options (I-751 without spouse's signature):
1. Divorce/Annulment Waiver: If your good-faith marriage ended in divorce
2. Abuse/Battery Waiver: If your spouse abused you or your child
3. Extreme Hardship Waiver: If deportation would cause extreme hardship
4. Spouse Deceased: If your sponsoring spouse passed away
For Fullerton residents facing divorce, you can file I-751 waiver without your spouse's cooperation. However, the burden of proof is higher, and you must demonstrate the marriage was entered in good faith.
Common I-751 Mistakes
- •Filing too early (before the 90-day window opens)
- •Filing too late (after card expires)
- •Missing spouse's signature on Form I-751
- •Insufficient evidence of bona fide marriage
- •Expired photos or outdated documents
- •Forgetting to include copies of green cards
- •Using wrong filing fee amount
- •Not including joint tax returns (critical evidence)
- •Failing to update address with USCIS
- •Missing biometrics appointment
The I-751 Interview
What to Expect:
• Both spouses must attend
• Interview at local USCIS field office (usually Santa Ana for Fullerton)
• Officer will ask questions about your relationship
• May ask spouses separately to compare answers
• Bring originals of all submitted documents
Common Questions:
• How did you meet?
• Describe your wedding ceremony
• What does your spouse do for work?
• Describe your daily routine together
• Who pays which bills?
• Describe your home layout
Our team prepares Fullerton couples for I-751 interviews with practice sessions.
I-751 Fees and Costs
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Form I-751 Filing Fee | $595 | Required for all filings |
| Biometrics Fee | $85 | If required by USCIS |
| Total USCIS Fees | $680 | Subject to change |
| Document Preparation | Varies | Translation, copies, photos |
| Professional Help | Varies | Document organization and review |
What Happens If I-751 Is Denied?
Immediate Consequences:
• You lose conditional permanent resident status
• USCIS may initiate removal proceedings
• You may face deportation
Options After Denial:
• Motion to Reopen: If new evidence available
• Motion to Reconsider: If USCIS made legal error
• Immigration Court Defense: If placed in removal proceedings
• Appeal to AAO: Administrative Appeals Office review
Prevention is Key: Thorough documentation and proper filing significantly reduce denial risk. Our team helps Fullerton couples build strong cases from the start.
Why Choose SoCal Immigration Services
- •Arabic and English-speaking staff who understand cultural nuances
- •Experience with I-751 joint filings and waiver cases
- •Thorough document organization and review
- •Interview preparation with practice questions
- •Deadline tracking to ensure timely filing
- •Evidence gathering guidance for stronger applications
- •Responsive communication throughout the process
- •Serving Fullerton and all of Orange County
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:What is the 90-day filing window for I-751?
A: You must file Form I-751 during the 90 days before your conditional green card expires. For example, if your card expires June 15, 2026, your filing window is March 17, 2026 through June 15, 2026. Filing early in the window is recommended.
Q:Can I travel while my I-751 is pending?
A: Yes, you can travel internationally while I-751 is pending. Your receipt notice (I-797C) combined with your expired conditional green card serves as proof of status for re-entry for up to 24 months. Carry both documents when traveling.
Q:What if my spouse won't sign the I-751?
A: If your spouse refuses to sign, you may file an I-751 waiver. Common grounds include divorce, abuse, or spouse's death. The waiver requires additional evidence proving you entered the marriage in good faith despite its ending.
Q:How long does I-751 processing take?
A: Current processing times are 12-24 months depending on the service center and whether an interview is required. Your status is protected while pending - the receipt notice extends your green card validity for 24 months.
Q:What if I missed the 90-day filing window?
A: If your conditional green card has already expired, file I-751 immediately with an explanation letter. USCIS may exercise discretion and accept late filings with valid reasons. Contact us immediately if you're in this situation.
Q:Do children need to file I-751 separately?
A: Children who received conditional green cards as derivatives can be included on the parent's I-751 at no additional filing fee. Each child must be listed and supporting evidence provided for the family unit.
Ready to Remove Conditions in Fullerton?
Don't risk your green card status. Let our experienced team help you file a complete I-751 with strong evidence of your genuine marriage.
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