Hi, all,

I have probably asked this already, but as things move on (and the fact I can't find my original post if I did already ask this), I'd like to ask it again.

I am now a Green Card holder which is conditional based on my marriage. I applied for and received my K-1 visa in the fall of last year, was married in November and received my Green Card in May this year.

My Green Card expires in May 2009. I understand that within 90 days of the expiration (February 2009), I should apply for a removal of conditions on the Green Card.

What does this entail? I think it entails submitting an application (at a cost, no doubt) and then attending an interview at a CIS location (in our case, Pittsburgh, I presume).

We met a couple this week who had done this but who had been originally not granted a removal of conditions due to the IO not being convinced that theirs was a bona fide marriage. This couple had been married for four years and had bought a house together, etc. They did, however, get married whilst in Ireland (the non-USC was Irish) and we got married in the US. Without knowing too much about their circumstances, I think that that is the only difference.

My wife and I have bought our house together and have credit cards, bank accounts, the works in our joint name and anyone who saw us together would know that ours is a 'real' marriage. What sort of things should we provide with the application to prove that ours is bona fide? I thought we might provide testimony from a couple of people who might be relatively prominent in the local community or hold some esteemed position and who would confirm that they believe our marriage is bona fide.

If I apply 90 days before the expiration of my Green Card and either we are not granted a removal of conditions at the interview or the CIS are experiencing a backlog that they don't see my case within the 90 days, what is my status? Will I still be able to live and work here? Obviously, with the backlog the CIS is having at the moment and given past experiences, 90 days sounds like it will be an unlikely target.

And what happens if the CIS do not remove my conditions and consider my marriage to be a sham? I presume I will then be deported?

After speaking with that couple this week, my wife is thinking 'worst case scenario' and is getting worried that they might send me home. I mentioned that it should be OK once they see us at the interview and see how we are together, but she started to panic and worry that if she got something wrong, they would force us to split up.

So, given this, obviously, any help or advice you guys could give us is extremely appreciated.

TIA,

Mark

Mark,

Don't panic. I will also remove conditions in 2009 and here's what I'm doing:

1. Begin a file folder
2. Photocopy leases, mortgages etc. in both our names.
3. Photocopy utility bills with either both our names or with one name same address.
4. Keep cards, letter and stuff from family.
5. Pictures, pictures, pictures.
6. IRS transcripts if you file together OR separate, showing same address.
7. Health insurance or life insurance in both names
8. Anything that shows same address.
9. Nudie pictures AND sex videos.... KIDDING.

You should be OK, just begin preparing since now and the process will be much easier when it's time to file.

Good luck, L.

Damn, I knew I forgot to add something to D's application!

Seriously, Mark, Len gives good advice. You may not even be called for an interview, so *try* not to stress too much! Good luck!

Once you apply to remove conditions, you will use that NOA to show you are granted an automatic 1 year extension of your 2 year green card. I have heard rumors that the backlog is greater then 1 year at this point and am unclear what you do beyond that one year expiration date.

We'll be there next fall, so if you find out and have some good advice, make sure you post it.

There is a guide and FAQ for this:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...p;page=751guide
http://www.visajourney.com/faq/k1k2visa-re...conditions.html

You are still LPR "Green-card Holder" until a decision is made on the I-751 case, the NOA 1 letter extends your status for 1 year.

You loose LPR status and are subject to deportation.

Thanks for the advice, guys, it's very appreciated. I think I'll skip the videos, though! :-)