The CR-6 Conditional Green Card is issued to those who receive a conditional permanent residence through marriage to US citizens or LPRs. Conditional green card gives the right to work and stay in the USA for two years. The letter ‘C’ in CR-6 means Conditional Resident, which underlines its ability that the card-holder can stay in the country only for a limited time. For instance, the CR-6 green card is issued on conditions that prove the bona fide nature of your marriage when removing the conditions through filing Form I-751.
For Form I-751 to be approved, it should be properly completed and filed, and if approved, your conditional residents status change to that of a permanent resident and a 10-year green card will be issued. For those who got their CR-6 green card based on marriage, filling Form I-751 on time is very important to avoid any interruption of your permanent residency process.
Form I-751 checklist
The following documents should be submitted with Form I-751 to show that your marriage is genuine:
- Copy of Green Card:
Take copies of your conditional green card from both the front and back side.
- Proof of Bona Fide Marriage:
Provide documents such as the joint lease agreement, bank statements, tax returns together with photos that show you and your spouse.
- Shared Responsibilities:
This alone proves that the responsibilities are being divided, for example through utility bills or mortgage statements.
- Affidavits:
Family and friends can attest to the fact of the common marriage through their affidavits. They should bear the sign of the parties involved and stamped and titled appropriately.
- Biometric Appointment Notice:
Once a respondent files an application, USCIS will send a biometric location appointment for the fingerprints and photos.
- Filing Fee:
Current filing fee is $750, check current amount on the official website of USCIS as it’s subject to change.
Form I-751 instructions
Let’s break down how to fill out Form I-751 step by step:
- Part 1: Add Your Complete Identification:
- Your name, address, birthdate, and Alien Registration Number are required.
- Part 2: Provide information on your racial background, height, and eye color.
- Part 3: Basis of Petition:
- In this section of your petition, individuals choose “joint filing” with their spouse, but there are also other grounds of petition such as divorce or abuse.
- Part 4: Provide information about your spouse or former spouse.
- Part 5: Information About Your Children:
- Include any children who have been granted conditional permanent residence through marriage
- Part 6: You need to make clear that the information you have provided is accurate and truthful.
- Part 7: If an interpreter is used, their details should be provided.
- Part 8: In the case a lawyer or any other preparer has aided you in filling out the form, they will include their details in this section.
Confirm your form submission before mailing the application. Mistakes can cause both delays and refusals.