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Boston I-751 Lawyer for Removal of U.S. Residency Conditions

Table of Contents

    What Is an I-751 Petition?

    Conditional resident status is granted to a spouse if the day their residency is approved is before their second wedding anniversary.

    An I-751 petition is necessary to remove the conditions from a U.S. Conditional Residency (valid for 2 years) obtained through marriage to a US. Citizen or legal permanent resident, or through a step-parent in some situations.

    Who Is Required to Remove Conditions on their U.S. residency?

    Those who have been properly granted conditional residence through their marriage to a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident or through a step-parent, and in some situations their dependent children.

    If the dependent children were granted conditional residence at the same time as the parent or within 90 days of the parent obtaining conditional residency, they may be included in the same I-751 petition as the parent.  On the other hand, if the dependent children acquired the conditional residency later, or if the conditional resident parent is deceased, then each dependent child must file a separate I-751 petition.

    Please note that not all children who are issued a 2 year conditional residency by USCIS are actually subject to the I-751 (removal of conditions) requirement and this should be corrected promptly.

    Do I have to file the removal of conditions petition, I-751 with my spouse or can I file it on my own?

    You are not required to file a “Joint I-751 Petition with your spouse if one of the conditions exists for the filing of a Self-Petition. If you are still married, then you must file form I-751 jointly with your spouse (joint I-751 petition).

    You may be required to present evidence that your marriage was entered into in “good faith” and not solely for the purpose of receiving residency, in order for the I-751 Self Petition to be approved.

    You may be able to file an I-751 Self-Petition if you are Widowed, Divorced/Lawfully Separated or in a case of Domestic Abuse

    In certain circumstances you may request to waive the joint filing requirement, and file the I-751 by yourself (I-751 Self-Petition).  This can be done at any time after you were granted conditional resident status and before you are removed from the United States, if:

    • Your spouse or step-parent died and the marriage was entered in good faith
    • You or your parent and step-parent terminated their marriage through divorce, annulment or a legal separation and the marriage was entered in good faith
    • You or parent were battered or subjected to extreme cruelty by your petitioning spouse or step-parent and the marriage was entered in good faith
    • The termination of your status and removal from the United States would result in extreme hardship

    When Should You File Form I-751 for the removal of conditions on US residency?

    You should file Form I-751 for the removal of conditions from your conditional U.S. residency, 90 days before it expires, if you are filing a Joint Petition with your spouse. If you fail to file this petition, you may lose your permanent resident status when the conditional residency expires and you may become subject to deportation/removal from the United States.

    If you are filing a Form I-751 Self Petition under one of the following categories then you may file as soon as one of the conditions exists, even if earlier than 90 days before the expiration of your residency:

    • Divorce or Annulment of the Marriage;
    • Subject to Spousal Abuse or Domestic/Parental Abuse;
    • Death of your Spouse; or
    • If you will suffer an Extreme Hardship if you are removed from the U.S.

    Note: Late filing of an I-751 is allowed if your failure to timely file not your fault, you file a written request with USCIS to excuse the late filing, and the delay in filing was reasonable.

    What Documents are  Required for an I-751 petition?

    Generally, a Form I-751 should include the following:

    • Copy of the Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) for you and any conditional resident children you are including in your petition;
    • Evidence of the Relationship demonstrating the marriage was entered in good faith, from the date of the marriage to date and if appropriate the circumstances for the end of the relationship.  These may include:
      • Birth certificates of children born from the marriage, if any;
      • Lease or mortgage contracts showing joint occupancy and/or ownership of residence;
      • Financial records – Joint Bank Accounts with paycheck direct deposit from both spouses
      • Complete joint Federal and State tax returns
      • Joint Insurance policies – Health, Car & Property
      • Joint bills or loans.
      • Driver’s License or State ID’s with same address
      • Photographs with friends and family
      • Employment Records with marital status
      • Medical Records
      • Complete copy of any court records form any criminal matter for either spouse or children since date of marriage
      • In some instances, Affidavits from people who have known both spouses since the conditional residence was granted and have personal knowledge of the marriage and relationship
      • If you are filing as an individual due to the death of your spouse, submit a copy of the death certificate with your petition, along with evidence of the qualifying relationship.
      • If you are filing as an individual because your marriage has been terminated, submit a copy of the final divorce decree or other document terminating or annulling the marriage, along with evidence of the qualifying relationship.
      • If you are filing as an individual because you and/or your conditional resident child were battered or subjected to extreme cruelty, submit the following:
        • Evidence of the abuse, such as copies of police, courts, medical records, school officials, clergy, social workers, and other social service workers.
        • Restraining orders or evidence of any legal steps you may have taken to end the abuse
        • Evidence that you sought the safety of a shelter for the abused or similar protection
        • Photographs and medical records showing your injuries;
        • Copy of your divorce decree, if your marriage was terminated by divorce on grounds of physical abuse or extreme cruelty.
        • If you are filing for a waiver of joint filing due to “extreme hardship,” submit evidence that your removal would result in hardship significantly greater than the hardship encountered by other foreign nationals who are removed from this country after extended stays. (The evidence must relate only to those factors that arose during the two-year period for which you were admitted as a conditional resident).
      • If you are a child filing separately from your parent, submit a full explanation as to why you are filing separately, along with copies of any supporting documentation.

    NOTE – All documents must be translated. Translations do not have to be Formal or Notarized. They must be complete and accurate and must contain a certification such as this: – “I ____ (name) hereby state that this is a true and accurate translation of the foregoing document and I am fluent in both English and ______ (language).” It is appropriate to translate your own documents.

    You must have available an original or certified copy of each certificate or document listed above as the government generally requests to see the original at any interview or hearing.

    Process to Apply for the Removal of U.S. Residency Conditions with a Form I-751

    The process of applying for Removal of Residency Conditions with a Form I-751 generally requires that you obtain documents that demonstrate your marriage was in “good faith” and records that demonstrate you are eligible for the category that you are applying under, whether it be a Joint Petition or a Self-Petition.

    Stage 1:

    Prepare applications with the appropriate supporting documents and file with the corresponding USCIS office:

    • Form G-28 (if required)
    • Form AR-11 (if required)
    • Form I-751
    • In the case of a self-petition, in most categories there is a requirement to demonstrate evidence of a good faith marriage in addition to evidence of eligibility for the category under which you are filing.

    *The application and supporting documents will be ready for client review 15 to 21 days after the client has provided ALL of the necessary information and documentation enumerated under “List of Documents.”

    Stage 2:

    • Receive Notice of Extension of Legal Permanent Residence
    • Appear at USCIS Office for Biometrics/fingerprinting
    • Submit additional documentation (if required)

    Stage 3:

    • Receive Notice of Approval or Notice of Interview from USCIS
    • Prepare for Interview with USCIS  (if required)
    • Appear at USCIS Office for Interview (if required)
    • Receive Notice of Decision from USCIS after interview and any additional investigation is completed

    Duration of the I-751 Application Process

    The processing time of a Form I-751 depends on the location of your residence and the category of your application.  The time can range from 9-49 months, depending on the service center or field office that is processing the case (For example, the Vermont service center takes usually between 9-18 months).  Check estimated processing times online as they change often: https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/

    Upon the receipt of the I-751 Petition USCIS will generally issue a Notice of Receipt within 30-60 days, which will extend the validity of your Residency (Green Card) for an additional 24 months (according to the USCIS announcement of September 4, 2021 which extended this period from 18 to 24 months).

    What are the Costs to Apply for an I-751?

    There are generally two different costs involved in preparing a removal of conditions application I-751:

    • The I-751 removal of conditions attorney fees / (see our legal fees for Removal of Conditions), and
    • The USCIS filing fee for Form I-751 and generally a biometric services fee for each applicant included in the I-751 petition.
    • USCIS fees change periodically, you can verify what the fees are by visiting  the Filing fees calculator on the USCIS  website

    Additional Consideration for I-751 Petitions

    All records, documents, applications and registrations should contain proper information about the names, addresses, financial status, and marital status for all family members (school, medical, etc.)

    Generally the family (all members of household) should not be receiving financial assistance (housing, WIC, FreeCare, Heat/Electricity/Gas, Daycare, Food-stamps) and if they are or have been receiving benefits, make sure that all income is reported on any benefit application.

    Taxes should properly reflect all sources of income and deductions should be limited to ones supported by clear evidence and have the correct marital status and dependents (Head of Household is rarely proper for use on a tax return in connection with an I-751 petition).

    Addresses & marital status should be properly provided to all agencies, schools, employers & companies.

    All child support must be paid to date.

    Where can I get more Information on I-751 Petitions?

    Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence | USCIS

    Client Reviews and Testimonials

    See all reviews or organize them by website!

    Will be recommending FLC to our friends!

    We had a great experience with FitzGerald Law Company while applying for a permanent resident card. Attorney Desmond was knowledgeable and helpful throughout the confusing immigration process! Our legal assistant, Angie, was wonderful - very friendly, great communication and efficient. Will be recommending FLC to our friends!

    Jayne Procopio

    I will recommend them to my friends and family

    Excellent lawyers they do a great job i will recommend them to my friends and family they are very helpful they are always there to answer all your questions and concerns.

    Gerson Lemus

    They were attentive and helpful

    Zrinka and the team were fantastic, thoroughly the whole of the (very long) process they were attentive and helpful, and made the whole thing as smooth and painless as possible.

    Laurence Wilson

    I will forever be grateful for your service

    I used Fitzgerald Law Company for my complicated case . I personally worked with Attorney Desmond and Mrs. Zrinka. I must say that Desmond is very professional and caring. He knows the system and pays attention to all the details. The entire team is very knowledgeable, respectful and reliable. Thank you Desmond and Mrs. Zrinka for tirelessly working with me to the end. Through your support and dedication, I was granted the privilege of a green card. I will forever be grateful for your service and I pray that the Almighty God will meet you at your point of need. I would highly recommend this firm to anybody that needs Immigration Services.

    Margaret Muguku

    Desmond and his staff and absolutely fantastic and easy to work with.

    I would highly recommend Fitzgerald law company for all immigration needs. Desmond and his staff and absolutely fantastic and easy to work with.

    Joe Ryan

    I wouldn't hesitate to hire them if I needed to.

    My husband and I are going through the US immigration process through consular processing in Canada. We hit an unexpected hitch in our process, and we were panicked and seeking out attorneys who could advise us what was happening with my husband's case. This firm took my emotional call and talked me through where we were in our process, what the likely outcome and timeline was based on their past cases supported, etc. and talked through all the details of our case. We talked for a good 15-20 minutes and they didn't charge me a dime. I felt so re-assured by the end of the conversation that our case will resolve soon. We haven't gotten the visa issued just yet, but we're remaining hopeful and will be contacting this company again as soon as anything goes astray. I really appreciated their care for a potential client, considering how emotional and scary the process can be. I wouldn't hesitate to hire them if I needed to. Thank you again for taking my call, and explaining so much of the process to us. It's clear you take care of your clients, and this review felt like the least I could do as a thank you. We'll be in touch if we end up needing your services!

    Allison

    They are excellent.

    Serious, dedicated work and provide all necessary explanations to the customer, they are excellent.

    Livia Liberato

    Amazing people, excellent service. Extremely professional.

    Amazing people, excellent service. Extremely professional. They helped me a lot and I will refer anyone who needs legal help to this law office!

    Ray T.

    I highly recommend this law firm

    My entire family and I have been working with FitzGerald Law Company for many years. Desmond and his team have never given up on us! I got my green card in 2018 and my parents got theirs this year! We are so happy :) we are just waiting on my sister now, but we know she is in great hands! Thank you so much! You have changed our lives for the better <3. I highly recommend this law firm if you are having any immigration problems. My parents Etleva and Kastriot send their deepest gratitude!

    Evjo Gjura

    This is the best immigration law office in Great Boston area.

    From experience, this is the best immigration law office in Great Boston area. Very satisfied with their work. No matter how difficult your case might be, if the team accepts working with you, you are in very good hands.

    Gleni Kajdo

    I really like that they speak so many languages and can help anyone!

    FitzGerald Law Company recently handled my immigration case for me and everything turned out great! The staff is excellent all the way from the secretary and assistant all the way up to the attorney. My attorney was Desmond Fitzgerald himself and he was excellent.

    Swarsatie R.

    They have been very supportive and professional

    My family and I have had an excellent experience with Desmond and his team at FitzGerald Law Company. They have been very supportive and professional, addressing our every concern. I feel fortunate to have found them and worked with them on my son's immigration case.

    Yoseph A.

    Highly recommend their services

    My husband and I reached out to FitzGerald Law Company, and we can only speak very highly of them. Very professional & reliable. I want to say big thanks to Desmond and Zrinka, who helped us throughout my immigration process. Highly recommend their services!

    Natasha A.

    They are on top of everything

    The Fitzgerald team is great and ready to help. They provide accurate information and never give a false picture of one’s situation. They are on top of everything and work with you. The team are very thorough at what they do. I would highly recommend their legal services.

    Patricia M.

    A very well organized firm, experienced and professional.

    My experience was exceptionally great. A very well organized firm, experienced and professional. Customer service was excellent and the lawyer that handled my case, Desmond Fitzgerald was the best. He was very thorough and very experienced. He knows what he's talking about. All in all, I had a positive experience and I highly recommend this company, especially Desmond Fitzgerald, he's awesome.

    Mike A.

    They helped me with a personal injury case

    Highly recommend Mr Desmond Fitzgerald and his team. They helped me with a personal injury case. He was realistic about outcomes and professional and came through for me.

    Garo M.

    Experienced, professional, and caring

    It was a great pleasure to have Mr. FitzGerald as my attorney. He was always there when I needed him. He is experienced, professional, and caring. I would recommend his services to anyone. I greatly appreciate what he did for me and would like to take the chance to express my gratitude to his hard work. Thank you very much Mr. FitzGerald. You'r the best...

    Ahmed B.

    Very professional and dedicated a lot of time to my case

    Very professional and dedicated a lot of time to my case...kept me in the know throughout the whole process. I definitely recommend FitzGerald Law Company to anyone looking for representation in a court case. Thank you Desmond and the entire team.

    James K.

    He explained things in a way that was easily understandable and things went smoothly

    Mr Desmond and his team did a remarkable job in immigration for my family and I. He explained things in a way that was easily understandable and things went smoothly. Highly recommended

    Gassim F.

    They made the process very smooth and pleasant

    Desmond and his team did a great job during my husband’s green card application. Very diligent, reliable and knowledgeable. They made the process very smooth and pleasant. Highly recommended!

    Karol S.

    The team is wonderful, efficient and very helpful/ professional

    The best lawfirm in Massachusetts. The team is wonderful, efficient and very helpful/ professional.

    Zulia O.

    They make the process as simple as possible

    Our experience with the FitzGerald Law Company is beyond positive. They make the process as simple as possible and are there to help and support the entire time. Everyone we've been in touch from their office was nice and helpful. We won the case and we would definitely use their services again. Thank you Juan & the team!

    Anonymous for Firm

    They put in a lot of time into my case all the while keeping me informed of any and all developments

    A very professional and committed team...They put in a lot of time into my case all the while keeping me informed of any and all developments. I definitely recommend FitzGerald Law Company to anyone seeking legal representation. Thank you Desmond and the entire team.

    Anonymous for Firm

    Highly recommend their services

    My husband and I reached out to FitzGerald Law Company, and we can only speak very highly of them. Very professional & reliable. I want to say big thanks to Desmond and Zrinka, who helped us throughout my immigration process. Highly recommend their services!

    Anonymous for Firm

    They are on top of everything

    The Fitzgerald team is great and ready to help. They provide accurate information and never give a false picture of one's situation. They are on top of everything and work with you. The team are very thorough at what they do. I would highly recommend their legal services.

    Anonymous for Firm

    I was very happy working with them and will be happy to work with them again

    The lawyer did an excellent job, it was really wonderful and inspiring to have him as a lawyer, he truly handled my case and everything went as expected. They always call or sent me an email to inform me the progress of my case, I am always feel welcomed when I meet with them. I was very happy working with them and will be happy to work with them again in the future.

    Anonymous for Firm

    I would definitely recommend Desmond and FitzGerald & Company to anyone looking for a professional, trustful immigration lawyer

    Desmond FitzGerald and his staff handles the daunting immigration legal paperwork with the utmost professionalism but always keeping the experience personal and realistic. I always felt that that I mattered. FitzGerald & Company has many payment options and they work with you to set up a payment plan which is affordable. {para}I would definitely recommend Desmond and FitzGerald & Company to anyone looking for a professional, trustful immigration lawyer.

    Anonymous for Firm

    Will be recommending FLC to our friends!

    We had a great experience with FitzGerald Law Company while applying for a permanent resident card. Attorney Desmond was knowledgeable and helpful throughout the confusing immigration process! Our legal assistant, Angie, was wonderful - very friendly, great communication and efficient. Will be recommending FLC to our friends!

    Jayne Procopio

    I will recommend them to my friends and family

    Excellent lawyers they do a great job i will recommend them to my friends and family they are very helpful they are always there to answer all your questions and concerns.

    Gerson Lemus

    They were attentive and helpful

    Zrinka and the team were fantastic, thoroughly the whole of the (very long) process they were attentive and helpful, and made the whole thing as smooth and painless as possible.

    Laurence Wilson

    I will forever be grateful for your service

    I used Fitzgerald Law Company for my complicated case . I personally worked with Attorney Desmond and Mrs. Zrinka. I must say that Desmond is very professional and caring. He knows the system and pays attention to all the details. The entire team is very knowledgeable, respectful and reliable. Thank you Desmond and Mrs. Zrinka for tirelessly working with me to the end. Through your support and dedication, I was granted the privilege of a green card. I will forever be grateful for your service and I pray that the Almighty God will meet you at your point of need. I would highly recommend this firm to anybody that needs Immigration Services.

    Margaret Muguku

    Desmond and his staff and absolutely fantastic and easy to work with.

    I would highly recommend Fitzgerald law company for all immigration needs. Desmond and his staff and absolutely fantastic and easy to work with.

    Joe Ryan

    I wouldn't hesitate to hire them if I needed to.

    My husband and I are going through the US immigration process through consular processing in Canada. We hit an unexpected hitch in our process, and we were panicked and seeking out attorneys who could advise us what was happening with my husband's case. This firm took my emotional call and talked me through where we were in our process, what the likely outcome and timeline was based on their past cases supported, etc. and talked through all the details of our case. We talked for a good 15-20 minutes and they didn't charge me a dime. I felt so re-assured by the end of the conversation that our case will resolve soon. We haven't gotten the visa issued just yet, but we're remaining hopeful and will be contacting this company again as soon as anything goes astray. I really appreciated their care for a potential client, considering how emotional and scary the process can be. I wouldn't hesitate to hire them if I needed to. Thank you again for taking my call, and explaining so much of the process to us. It's clear you take care of your clients, and this review felt like the least I could do as a thank you. We'll be in touch if we end up needing your services!

    Allison

    They are excellent.

    Serious, dedicated work and provide all necessary explanations to the customer, they are excellent.

    Livia Liberato

    Amazing people, excellent service. Extremely professional.

    Amazing people, excellent service. Extremely professional. They helped me a lot and I will refer anyone who needs legal help to this law office!

    Ray T.

    I highly recommend this law firm

    My entire family and I have been working with FitzGerald Law Company for many years. Desmond and his team have never given up on us! I got my green card in 2018 and my parents got theirs this year! We are so happy :) we are just waiting on my sister now, but we know she is in great hands! Thank you so much! You have changed our lives for the better <3. I highly recommend this law firm if you are having any immigration problems. My parents Etleva and Kastriot send their deepest gratitude!

    Evjo Gjura

    This is the best immigration law office in Great Boston area.

    From experience, this is the best immigration law office in Great Boston area. Very satisfied with their work. No matter how difficult your case might be, if the team accepts working with you, you are in very good hands.

    Gleni Kajdo

    I really like that they speak so many languages and can help anyone!

    FitzGerald Law Company recently handled my immigration case for me and everything turned out great! The staff is excellent all the way from the secretary and assistant all the way up to the attorney. My attorney was Desmond Fitzgerald himself and he was excellent.

    Swarsatie R.

    They have been very supportive and professional

    My family and I have had an excellent experience with Desmond and his team at FitzGerald Law Company. They have been very supportive and professional, addressing our every concern. I feel fortunate to have found them and worked with them on my son's immigration case.

    Yoseph A.

    Highly recommend their services

    My husband and I reached out to FitzGerald Law Company, and we can only speak very highly of them. Very professional & reliable. I want to say big thanks to Desmond and Zrinka, who helped us throughout my immigration process. Highly recommend their services!

    Natasha A.

    They are on top of everything

    The Fitzgerald team is great and ready to help. They provide accurate information and never give a false picture of one’s situation. They are on top of everything and work with you. The team are very thorough at what they do. I would highly recommend their legal services.

    Patricia M.

    A very well organized firm, experienced and professional.

    My experience was exceptionally great. A very well organized firm, experienced and professional. Customer service was excellent and the lawyer that handled my case, Desmond Fitzgerald was the best. He was very thorough and very experienced. He knows what he's talking about. All in all, I had a positive experience and I highly recommend this company, especially Desmond Fitzgerald, he's awesome.

    Mike A.

    They helped me with a personal injury case

    Highly recommend Mr Desmond Fitzgerald and his team. They helped me with a personal injury case. He was realistic about outcomes and professional and came through for me.

    Garo M.

    Experienced, professional, and caring

    It was a great pleasure to have Mr. FitzGerald as my attorney. He was always there when I needed him. He is experienced, professional, and caring. I would recommend his services to anyone. I greatly appreciate what he did for me and would like to take the chance to express my gratitude to his hard work. Thank you very much Mr. FitzGerald. You'r the best...

    Ahmed B.

    Very professional and dedicated a lot of time to my case

    Very professional and dedicated a lot of time to my case...kept me in the know throughout the whole process. I definitely recommend FitzGerald Law Company to anyone looking for representation in a court case. Thank you Desmond and the entire team.

    James K.

    He explained things in a way that was easily understandable and things went smoothly

    Mr Desmond and his team did a remarkable job in immigration for my family and I. He explained things in a way that was easily understandable and things went smoothly. Highly recommended

    Gassim F.

    They made the process very smooth and pleasant

    Desmond and his team did a great job during my husband’s green card application. Very diligent, reliable and knowledgeable. They made the process very smooth and pleasant. Highly recommended!

    Karol S.

    The team is wonderful, efficient and very helpful/ professional

    The best lawfirm in Massachusetts. The team is wonderful, efficient and very helpful/ professional.

    Zulia O.

    They make the process as simple as possible

    Our experience with the FitzGerald Law Company is beyond positive. They make the process as simple as possible and are there to help and support the entire time. Everyone we've been in touch from their office was nice and helpful. We won the case and we would definitely use their services again. Thank you Juan & the team!

    Anonymous for Firm

    They put in a lot of time into my case all the while keeping me informed of any and all developments

    A very professional and committed team...They put in a lot of time into my case all the while keeping me informed of any and all developments. I definitely recommend FitzGerald Law Company to anyone seeking legal representation. Thank you Desmond and the entire team.

    Anonymous for Firm

    Highly recommend their services

    My husband and I reached out to FitzGerald Law Company, and we can only speak very highly of them. Very professional & reliable. I want to say big thanks to Desmond and Zrinka, who helped us throughout my immigration process. Highly recommend their services!

    Anonymous for Firm

    They are on top of everything

    The Fitzgerald team is great and ready to help. They provide accurate information and never give a false picture of one's situation. They are on top of everything and work with you. The team are very thorough at what they do. I would highly recommend their legal services.

    Anonymous for Firm

    I was very happy working with them and will be happy to work with them again

    The lawyer did an excellent job, it was really wonderful and inspiring to have him as a lawyer, he truly handled my case and everything went as expected. They always call or sent me an email to inform me the progress of my case, I am always feel welcomed when I meet with them. I was very happy working with them and will be happy to work with them again in the future.

    Anonymous for Firm

    I would definitely recommend Desmond and FitzGerald & Company to anyone looking for a professional, trustful immigration lawyer

    Desmond FitzGerald and his staff handles the daunting immigration legal paperwork with the utmost professionalism but always keeping the experience personal and realistic. I always felt that that I mattered. FitzGerald & Company has many payment options and they work with you to set up a payment plan which is affordable. {para}I would definitely recommend Desmond and FitzGerald & Company to anyone looking for a professional, trustful immigration lawyer.

    Anonymous for Firm