New Removal of Conditions (I-751 and I-829) Receipt Notices to be Valid for 18 Months

USCIS announced that as of June 11, 2018, petitioners who file Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence) or Form I-829 (Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status) will receive a Form I-797 Receipt Notice that can be presented with their expired Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card, as evidence of continued lawful status for 18 months past the expiration date on their Permanent Resident Card. The previous Receipt Notice validity period was 12 months.

USCIS extended the timeframe from 12 months to 18 months due to the increased processing times for Forms I-751 and I-829. Many applicants awaiting adjudication were faced with their Receipt Notices expiring and the prospect of attending a USCIS appointment to obtain a renewal stamp in their passport.

Additionally, USCIS announced that it will issue new Form I-797 Receipt Notices to eligible Conditional Permanent Residents whose Form I-751 or I-829 was still pending as of June 11, 2018. Those Form I-797 Receipt Notices will also serve as evidence of continued status for 18 months.

As a reminder, Conditional Permanent Residents who plan to be outside of the United States for a year or more should learn about applying for a Reentry Permit, before leaving the country.

If you are unsure or have questions regarding a I-751, I-829 extensions or a Reentry Permit, be sure to speak with an experienced U.S. Immigration Attorney.