If you became a Lawful Permanent Resident through your spouse and if, on the day you were approved, your marriage was less than two years old, then your permanent resident status is considered “conditional.” This means that your green card will be valid for two years. Before the expiration of your two-year green card, you need to submit a petition to remove the conditions on your status.
If you are still married to the spouse through whom you became a permanent resident, then you and your spouse must submit the petition prior to the expiration of your two-year green card. You may submit your petition in the 90-day period leading to the expiration of your green card. If you do not submit your petition until after your green card expires, then you will need to explain why your petition is late.
If you married in good faith, but your marriage has ended through divorce or the death of your spouse, then you are still eligible to file a petition to remove the conditions on your permanent residency. You may also be eligible to file a petition if you have been abused by your spouse, or if you would suffer extreme hardship as a result of the loss of permanent resident status.
If your child received a two-year green card at the same time you did, or within 90 days after you, then your child should be able to be included in your petition. If your child received a two-year green card more than 90 days after you received your own two-year green card, then your child must submit a separate petition to remove conditions on permanent resident status.
In certain cases, the laws regarding removing conditions on permanent residency are complex, and could require significant amounts of time, legal research, and legal expertise. We have handled many of these cases and we have a strong record of success.