Form I-551, commonly known as the Permanent Resident Card or Green Card, serves as evidence of conditional permanent residence when it is issued with a two-year expiration date. Conditional permanent residents receive this form after being granted status based on marriage or investment, requiring them to file Form I-751 or I-829 to remove conditions within 90 days before expiration. Holding this form proves lawful permanent residency under specific conditions, allowing conditional residents to live and work legally in the United States.
Understanding Form I-551: An Overview
Form I-551, commonly known as the Permanent Resident Card or Green Card, serves as evidence of conditional permanent residence in the United States. This document is issued to individuals who have been granted conditional resident status, typically through marriage or investment-based immigration. Understanding the role and validity of Form I-551 is essential for conditional permanent residents to maintain their legal status and apply for permanent resident status after the conditions are removed.
What Is Conditional Permanent Residence?
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| What Is Conditional Permanent Residence? | Conditional Permanent Residence is a temporary status granted to certain immigrants, typically those who obtained permanent residence through marriage or investment. This status is valid for two years and requires specific actions to remove conditions and obtain permanent residency without constraints. |
| Which Form Serves as Evidence of Conditional Permanent Residence? | Form I-551, commonly known as a Permanent Resident Card or Green Card, serves as the primary evidence of conditional permanent residence. The card contains an expiration date exactly two years after issuance, indicating the conditional status. |
| Your Role | You must file Form I-751 or Form I-829 to remove conditions on your residence before the conditional Green Card expires, ensuring status adjustment to permanent residence. |
The Role of Form I-551 in Immigration Status
Form I-551, commonly known as the Permanent Resident Card or Green Card, serves as definitive evidence of conditional permanent residence in the United States. This document verifies your lawful status and grants the right to live and work permanently within the country.
The primary role of Form I-551 in immigration status is to confirm conditional permanent residency, especially for individuals who obtained their status through marriage or investment. It displays critical information such as the cardholder's name, photograph, and the expiration date, ensuring clear identification and proof of legal status. Immigration authorities and employers rely on this form to verify the authenticity of your conditional permanent residence.
Eligibility Criteria for Conditional Green Card Holders
The form that serves as evidence of conditional permanent residence is the Form I-551, commonly known as the Conditional Green Card. Eligibility criteria for conditional green card holders primarily include marriage-based conditions and investment-based requirements.
- Proof of Conditional Residency - Form I-551 contains a printed notation indicating the conditional status, valid for two years from issuance.
- Marriage-Based Eligibility - Conditional residents must have entered the United States through marriage to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and must file to remove conditions within 90 days before the card expires.
- Investment-Based Eligibility - Conditional green card holders under the EB-5 program must demonstrate an investment of $800,000 or $1,050,000 in a qualifying commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 jobs.
Key Features of the Conditional Green Card (Form I-551)
The Conditional Green Card, issued as Form I-551, serves as official evidence of conditional permanent residence in the United States. This card is valid for two years and must be followed by a petition to remove conditions before expiration.
- Validity Period - The Conditional Green Card is valid for two years, unlike the typical 10-year permanent resident card.
- Removal of Conditions - Cardholders must file Form I-751 or Form I-829 within 90 days before the card's expiration to remove conditions on their residence.
- Proof of Residency - Form I-551 functions as an identification and travel document proving conditional permanent residency status.
Rights and Limitations with Conditional Permanent Residence
The form that serves as evidence of conditional permanent residence is the Form I-551, commonly known as the Conditional Green Card. This card is issued to individuals granted conditional permanent resident status, typically valid for two years.
Conditional permanent residents have the right to live and work in the United States during the validity of their status. However, they face limitations such as the requirement to file Form I-751 to remove conditions within 90 days before the card expires to avoid losing residency status.
Removing Conditions: Steps to Permanent Green Card
The Form I-551, also known as the Permanent Resident Card, serves as evidence of conditional permanent residence. To remove conditions, immigrants must file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, within the 90-day period before the card's expiration. Successful approval of this petition leads to the issuance of a permanent green card, granting full lawful permanent resident status.
Frequently Asked Questions about Form I-551
Form I-551, also known as the Permanent Resident Card or Green Card, serves as evidence of conditional permanent residence when issued with conditional status. This form is typically provided to immigrants who have been granted conditional resident status for two years.
Conditional permanent residents must file Form I-751 to remove conditions and obtain a 10-year Green Card. Frequently asked questions about Form I-551 include how to replace a lost card and the validity period of the conditional status.
Common Issues and Solutions for Conditional Residents
The Form I-551, commonly known as the Permanent Resident Card, serves as evidence of conditional permanent residence. Conditional residents must resolve specific issues to maintain their status and eventually obtain full permanent residence.
- Form I-751 Filing - Conditional residents must file Form I-751 within 90 days before their conditional Green Card expires to remove conditions.
- Proof of Marriage - Joint petitioners need to provide strong evidence of a bona fide marriage when filing to remove conditions.
- Waivers for Filing Late - USCIS may grant waivers for late filings due to extraordinary circumstances, ensuring status protection.
You should carefully prepare your petition to avoid delays or denials and secure your permanent residency status.
Which Form Serves as Evidence of Conditional Permanent Residence? Infographic
