USCIS Changes Extension Process
June 14, 2018
There is news from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) concerning the processing time for an I-751 to remove the conditions on conditional Legal Permanent Residents.
As of today, petitioners who file an I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence will receive a receipt notice that can be presented with their Permanent Resident/Green Card, as evidence of continued status for 18 months past the expiration date on their Permanent Resident/Green Card.
USCIS is making the change from 12 to 18 months because current processing times for the I-751 have increased over the past year.
Attorney John Foley said “this makes sense. USCIS isn’t adjudicating I-751 petitions within the one year extension so this gives them more time.”
An I-751 petition is required in marriage cases where the couple has been married for less than two years when the immigrants status is adjusted. Foley says “it’s still strange because the immigrant is going to prove his or her legal resident status by showing a soon to be or expired Legal Resident/Green card and an 18-month extension that is in the form of a letter.”
Foley says “even if the I-751 petition is not adjudicated during the extension period, the immigrant is still a Legal Resident and, if necessary, they can obtain an additional passport stamp as evidence of their legal status.”
Foley Law Offices also provides letters to clients traveling internationally during the extension period as well as letters to employers concerned about an employee’s legal status.
If you have questions concerning your I-751 petition or any immigration matter, call Foley Law Offices for a free telephone consultation with an immigration attorney.