Arrived in the US on CR-1. Now what?

[Unicorn91 0]

Hi, 

So we finally got our visa in the beginning of March 2021 and I entered USA in the beginning of April 2021. I was taken to a separate room for my passport to be stamped and to be given instructions. The officer asked me about my marriage date and after checking, he stamped my passport and asked me to apply for something before my second anniversary. His words were "make sure to apply for ..... before your second anniversary. Your green card will come in the mail in 2-6 months." The problem is, I don't remember what form was he talking about and our lawyer says we don't have to apply for anything until the expiration of my conditional green card, which is 2 years later. I was wondering if anyone can guide me on what am I supposed to do now that I am here? I have already received my social security number in the mail. 

Thank you!

[Dashinka 24,499]

7 minutes ago, Unicorn91 said:

Hi, 

So we finally got our visa in the beginning of March 2021 and I entered USA in the beginning of April 2021. I was taken to a separate room for my passport to be stamped and to be given instructions. The officer asked me about my marriage date and after checking, he stamped my passport and asked me to apply for something before my second anniversary. His words were "make sure to apply for ..... before your second anniversary. Your green card will come in the mail in 2-6 months." The problem is, I don't remember what form was he talking about and our lawyer says we don't have to apply for anything until the expiration of my conditional green card, which is 2 years later. I was wondering if anyone can guide me on what am I supposed to do now that I am here? I have already received my social security number in the mail. 

Thank you!

I believe the CBP officer was referring to the I751 which is called Removal of Conditions.  Since you will be issued a 2 year Conditional Green Card it means you have been married less then two years, so you have to file the I751 90 days before your 2 year GC expires.

 

Good Luck!

[aaron2020 11,651]

The officer and your lawyer are talking about the same thing . . . they are just wording it differently. 

The officer is talking about making sure you apply for Removal of Conditions (ROC) when your conditional green card expires in 2 years.  The expiration date would be the second anniversary of you getting your conditional green card.  You will file Form I-751.

For now, you are all set.  Since you have your SSN and your endorsed immigrant visa serves as a temporary 1 year green card (I-551), you can work, etc.  Your plastic conditional green card (I-551) will come in a few months.

Google Removal of Conditions.  You will want to collect evidence of a co-mingled life with your spouse to support your ROC.  

Edited April 21, 2021 by aaron2020

[Mike E 11,739]

On the day you entered the USA, how many years were you married?

[Unicorn91 0]

1 hour ago, Mike E said:

On the day you entered the USA, how many years were you married?

Few months short of 2 years. 

1 hour ago, aaron2020 said:

The officer and your lawyer are talking about the same thing . . . they are just wording it differently. 

The officer is talking about making sure you apply for Removal of Conditions (ROC) when your conditional green card expires in 2 years.  The expiration date would be the second anniversary of you getting your conditional green card.  You will file Form I-751.

For now, you are all set.  Since you have your SSN and your endorsed immigrant visa serves as a temporary 1 year green card (I-551), you can work, etc.  Your plastic conditional green card (I-551) will come in a few months.

Google Removal of Conditions.  You will want to collect evidence of a co-mingled life with your spouse to support your ROC.  

I see. Okay, thank you! 

[Mike E 11,739]

11 hours ago, Unicorn91 said:

Few months short of 2 years. 

Ok. Too bad you could not have waited.

 

So 90 days before the 2 year anniversary of the day you entered the USA, you should file your I-751.

 

90 days. Not 3 months. It makes a difference.

 

If you fail to file before the 2 year anniversary of your entry into the USA, you technically lose your lawful permanent resident  (LPR) status. Your green will have an expiration date that is 2 years from your date of entry.

[aaron2020 11,651]

Surprised that the lawyer didn't tell them to wait to enter after their 2nd anniversary so they could have gotten a 10 years green card and avoid the cost and effort in the ROC.  Guess, maybe, the lawyer wants to be paid again for help with the ROC.  lol

[Ryan H 3,812]

Moved from IR-1/CR-1 Progress Reports to Removing Conditions on Residency Discussion.

[Dashinka 24,499]

On 4/21/2021 at 5:01 PM, aaron2020 said:

Surprised that the lawyer didn't tell them to wait to enter after their 2nd anniversary so they could have gotten a 10 years green card and avoid the cost and effort in the ROC.  Guess, maybe, the lawyer wants to be paid again for help with the ROC.  lol

Yeah, it is too bad, then of course the lawyer would lose out on the ROC step.

[ms_bobdog 501]

I would advise you to set a reminder so that you don't forget to file your i751 90 days before the 2-year anniversary of your green card. Some people get reminders in the mail from USCIS, but a lot of people don't. Also don't forget to start collecting everything you can think of from now till then. It will make your work a lot easier when it comes time to file!