RFE Response Lawyers

Yes, in some circumstances. If you have been married to a U.S. citizen for at least three years, have been a permanent resident for at least three years, and meet other eligibility requirements, you may file Form N-400 while your I-751 is still pending. USCIS sometimes schedules both interviews together. An attorney can help you...

Yes. If your marriage ended in divorce, your spouse passed away, or you experienced abuse or extreme cruelty during the marriage, you can file Form I-751 individually and request a waiver of the joint filing requirement. Extreme hardship cases also qualify. The waiver requires additional documentation, but it is a recognized path to permanent residence....

Yes, in most cases. You can travel internationally with your expired green card and I-797C receipt notice together. Trips under one year generally do not create problems. Longer absences may raise questions about your intent to maintain permanent residence. Speak with an attorney before any extended travel. Visit our removal of conditions lawyer page to...

Absolutely. Your green card allows you to travel internationally and return to the United States. You’ll present your green card to immigration officers when you come back. Most trips under six months don’t create problems. Longer trips require more planning and documentation to prove you haven’t abandoned your residence. Some green card holders apply for...

Yes. Your I-797C receipt notice, combined with your expired conditional green card, extends your work authorization for up to 48 months while USCIS reviews your petition. Carry both documents together to demonstrate your current status to employers. Visit our removal of conditions lawyer page to learn more, or contact us directly to discuss your situation.

Yes, you must maintain your permanent residence here. The law requires you to treat the United States as your actual home. Short trips abroad are fine, but extended absences can jeopardize your status. Trips longer than six months trigger additional scrutiny. Stay away for more than a year without advance permission, and you risk abandoning...

Your green card starts the clock toward citizenship eligibility. Most permanent residents can apply for naturalization after five years. Spouses of U.S. citizens may qualify after just three years. You’ll need to demonstrate good moral character, pass English and civics tests, and meet physical presence requirements. Certain criminal convictions can block naturalization or even result...

Processing times vary wildly depending on your category and country of birth. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens typically wait 12 to 24 months from petition to approval. Other family preference categories can take anywhere from 2 to 20+ years because of annual visa limits. Employment-based green cards usually process within 1 to 3 years, but...

Several pathways lead to permanent residence. Family sponsorship is the most common route. U.S. citizens and green card holders can petition for certain relatives. Employment-based green cards require a job offer from a U.S. employer willing to sponsor you. Some people qualify through the Diversity Visa Lottery, which randomly selects applicants from countries with low...

A standard joint filing typically includes copies of the front and back of your green card, proof that your marriage was entered in good faith (joint tax returns, lease agreements, bank statements, utility bills, insurance documents, and family photos), and affidavits from people who know you as a couple. Children included in your petition need...

A green card gives you lawful permanent resident status in the United States. You can live and work anywhere in the country without restrictions. Permanent residents enjoy most of the same rights as U.S. citizens. You can own property, attend public schools, and access certain government benefits. The card itself is your proof of status....

If you do not file Form I-751 within the 90-day window before your conditional green card expires, USCIS can terminate your permanent resident status. You may become subject to removal from the United States. USCIS may still accept a late filing if you provide a written explanation showing good cause, but this is not guaranteed....

A denial results in a Notice to Appear in immigration court for removal proceedings. This is serious, but it is not necessarily the end of your case. Immigration court gives you the opportunity to present additional evidence and argue your case before a judge. Legal representation at this stage is critical. Visit our removal of...

An RFE means USCIS needs more documents or clarification before deciding your case.

Conditional green cards are valid for only two years. They’re issued in specific situations where the government wants to verify the legitimacy of your case. Marriage-based green cards become conditional if your marriage is less than two years old when approved. EB-5 investor green cards start as conditional until you prove you’ve maintained your investment...