If you’re a conditional permanent resident (CPR) in the United States, you might have questions about your status and the necessary steps to secure your permanent residency. This guide will help you understand the conditions attached to your status, the filing process for Form I-751, and the options available if you find yourself unable to meet the joint filing requirements.
What Does Conditional Permanent Resident Status Mean?
If you obtained your permanent resident status through marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and were married for less than two years at the time of your admission or adjustment of status, your residency is conditional. This means you have specific requirements to fulfill in order to remove those conditions and achieve permanent resident status.
To do this, you must file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, during the 90-day window before your second anniversary as a CPR. However, there are circumstances that may allow you to file as an individual or request a waiver.
Navigating Joint Filing Requirements
In some cases, you may find yourself unable to meet the joint filing requirements—that is, filing Form I-751 alongside your petitioning spouse or stepparent. Fortunately, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) allows you to request a waiver of this requirement. This request can be made anytime before your second anniversary as a CPR and should be filed before any final orders of exclusion, deportation, or removal.
Available Waivers for Joint Filing
Several specific waivers may apply to your situation. Here’s a breakdown of the most common scenarios that may exempt you from the joint filing requirement:
Death of a Spouse: If your spouse has died and you entered into the marriage in good faith, you can file an individual petition.
Divorce or Annulment: If your marriage ended through divorce or annulment, you may request a good faith (divorce) waiver.
Extreme Cruelty or Battery: If you were subjected to abuse during the marriage, you can file for a waiver based on battery or extreme cruelty, ensuring confidentiality throughout the process.
Extreme Hardship: If your removal from the U.S. would cause extreme hardship, this can also be grounds for a waiver.
Multiple Waivers? Here’s What to Do
If you are eligible for more than one type of waiver, it’s essential to indicate all applicable reasons on your Form I-751. After filing, you may change or add another waiver basis through a written request to USCIS, but be mindful that certain cases, particularly those involving battery or extreme cruelty, may require a new Form I-751.
Filing Under the Battery or Extreme Cruelty Waiver
If you believe you qualify for the battery or extreme cruelty waiver, it’s crucial to mark all relevant boxes on your Form I-751. USCIS takes the confidentiality of abuse victims seriously, and protections under 8 U.S.C. 1367 may limit access to your immigration filing information to ensure your safety.
Costs and Fee Waivers
Filing Form I-751 does come with a fee, which you can find on the USCIS Fee Schedule page. If the cost is a barrier, you may be eligible for a fee waiver. Notably, if you are filing a waiver of the joint filing requirement based on battery or extreme cruelty, you are not required to pay the filing fee.
Changing Your Filing Status
If you initially filed under the battery or extreme cruelty waiver but later wish to change to a joint filing with your U.S. citizen or LPR spouse, you cannot simply switch your filing status. You’ll need to withdraw the existing waiver request and submit a new joint Form I-751, including the appropriate fee or fee waiver request.
When to Request a Waiver
You can request a waiver for battery or extreme cruelty at any time after being granted CPR status. Your current marital situation, whether still married to your abusive spouse or divorced, does not affect your ability to file this waiver.
Divorce and Joint Filing
If you and your U.S. citizen or LPR spouse are no longer living together and have filed for divorce, your Form I-751 can still be processed as a joint petition. However, once the marriage is legally terminated, you’ll need to notify USCIS and may have to amend your filing to reflect a good faith (divorce) waiver.
Navigating the process of filing Form I-751 can be challenging and complex. It’s essential to fully understand your options to ensure a smoother path to permanent residency. We encourage you to consult with an experienced immigration attorney who can guide you through the intricacies of your case. Our team is always here to help, providing the support and expertise you need to successfully navigate your residency status.
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