Family-based immigration can allow people to legally enter the United States. Foreign nationals who have relationships with citizens or permanent residents can potentially enter the country legally. Some people secure visas through their relationships. Immigrants with family in the United States may be eligible for green cards in some cases.
The spouses and fiancés of United States citizens are often eligible for green cards. They can enter the country as permanent residents or secure green cards shortly after marrying. However, if they are a fiancé or a new spouse whose marriage has lasted less than two years, they may only be eligible for a conditional green card.
The process of legally remaining in the country can be more complicated for those granted conditional permanent resident status. What do immigrant spouses and fiancés of citizens need to know?
Conditional green cards expire quickly
Although green cards are permanent resident cards, they still expire. A standard green card granted to a permanent resident is only valid for 10 years. The permanent resident must routinely renew the green card to maintain their status in the United States.
A conditional green card is only valid for a fraction of that time. Conditional green cards granted to spouses are only valid for two years. The immigrant spouse has to petition to remove their conditional status within the 90 days prior to the expiration of their green card. They have to prove that they still meet the standards for a green card by passing a criminal background check and proving that they are still married to their citizen spouse.
They must ask the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to review the situation and grant them a standard green card. The failure to do so could lead to the expiration of their permanent resident status. They could then be at risk of removal from the country. It is therefore critical for immigrant spouses to ensure that they carefully adhere to the rules for conditional green cards.
Immigrant spouses and the citizens who married them typically need help navigating the immigration system. Learning more about permanent resident status for spouses can help people avoid common pitfalls that can complicate their immigration journey.
