Conditional Green Card Holders: Applying for Citizenship

If you received your green card through marriage to a US citizen and were married for less than 2 years at the time, you have a "conditional" green card that's valid for 2 years. Understanding how this affects your path to citizenship is important for planning your naturalization timeline.

What is a Conditional Green Card?

According to USCIS, when a person obtains permanent residence through marriage to a US citizen, and the marriage is less than 2 years old at the time the green card is issued, the person becomes a "conditional permanent resident." The green card is valid for 2 years instead of the standard 10 years.

Removing Conditions: Form I-751

To remove the conditions on your green card, you must file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, during the 90-day window before your conditional green card expires. You typically file this jointly with your spouse.

Can I Apply for Citizenship Before Conditions Are Removed?

Yes, in most cases. According to USCIS policy, a conditional permanent resident may file Form N-400 for naturalization if otherwise eligible. You don't have to wait for the I-751 to be approved before applying for citizenship. However, there are important considerations:

• You must have filed Form I-751 to remove conditions (or have an approved I-751)
• Your conditional status must still be valid (not expired or terminated)
• You must meet all other naturalization requirements

Timeline for Conditional Residents

If you're married to a US citizen and qualify under the 3-year rule, here's a typical timeline:

• Year 0: Receive conditional green card
• Year 1 year 9 months: File Form I-751 (within 90 days of 2-year expiration)
• Year 2 year 9 months: Eligible to apply for naturalization (3 years as permanent resident)

What If My I-751 is Still Pending?

If your I-751 is pending when you apply for naturalization, USCIS may adjudicate both applications together. In some cases, USCIS may approve your naturalization even while the I-751 is pending, as long as you meet all eligibility requirements. However, processing times vary, so consult with an immigration attorney if you have concerns about timing.

Special Cases: Divorce or Abuse

If you've divorced your US citizen spouse or have been subjected to abuse, you may file Form I-751 with a waiver of the joint filing requirement. These situations have special rules for both removing conditions and naturalization eligibility.

Prepare for Your Citizenship Interview

Whether you're a conditional or permanent resident, you'll need to pass the citizenship interview. Practice the civics test, English test, and N-400 questions with Citizenry's unlimited mock interviews to build confidence before your real interview.