I-797C, Conditional Form Received
The Government has received our petition to remove Kristien’s conditional resident status. The letter also states that we will receive another letter including a scheduled appointment time at the Application Service Center for yet another biometrics update. Thank you, but we already received that letter. It seems some departments work faster than others.
Kristien did a little research and the government is currently reviewing applications from two years ago. This doesn’t sound good. However, we’ve seen estimates online and usually the Government responds faster.
In other good news the form says Kristien’s conditional resident status is extended for one year.
ASC Biometrics
We received notice today that the biometrics appointment will be on June 3rd. Once again, the government is moving very rapidly. Almost everything has been processed or scheduled within one month’s time. The appointment is early morning, right during rush hour, so that means an early wake-up to drive and get there on time.
I-751, Removing Conditional Status
If you’ve been tracking our status, welcome back! I’ve had a long break but it’s time to revive those government form application skills. Almost two years after obtaining a green card, Kristien and I now must petition the Government to remove her conditional status. This means submitting a I-751 form.
The required form information is minimal: name, address, where we got married, a copy of her green card, and our signatures. There are other fields but the most important part is the evidence that proves your marriage is valid. We attached several pieces of information that would prove the marriage is not just for show.
- Bank statement showing the account is held in both of our names
- 2006 and 2007 tax returns, both filed jointly married
- Confirmation of our jointly-accessible safe deposit box
- Verification of car insurance; 1 car, 1 policy, two drivers
- Sworn affidavits from my parents that our marriage is, in fact, a real relationship.
We sent the forms, evidence, and $545 check via USPS certified mail. The check includes the cost of the form processing and a biometrics appointment, which is scheduled later.
Received Green Card
Kristien received her permanent resident card or “green” card today. I think for historical reasons the DHS feels like there should be some green color on the card. In fact, part of the back side has text printed in green.
There’s very basic information on the card much like a passport. The back side, however, has a very interesting metallic appearance. Also printed on the back is a reassuring statement: “The person identified by this card is authorized to work and reside in the U.S.”
I-797, Welcome Notice
The United States of America officially welcomed Kristien as a permanent resident. We received the notice in the mail today.
To paraphrase the notice:
- “This is to notify you that your application for permanent residence has been approved. It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to permanent resident status in the United States.”
- “We will soon mail you a new Permanent Resident Card. You should receive it within the next 3 weeks. You can use it to show your new status. When you receive your card you must carry it with you at all times if you are 18 or older. It is the law.”
- “Your new card will expire two years from when you became a permanent resident. By law your resident status is conditional, and you must apply to remove those conditions before your card expires. We recommend you apply several months before your card expires.”
- “Once again, welcome to the United States and congratulations on your permanent resident status.”
