A Removal of Conditions Lawyer Ulster County helps you file Form I-751 to remove the conditions on your two-year green card. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. § 1186a), you must file within the 90-day window before your card expires. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has firm-wide documented results in 4,739+ cases with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Last verified: April 2026 | Ulster County Supreme Court | Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.)
Conditional permanent residence is granted for two years when you obtain a green card through marriage that was less than two years old at the time of approval. The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) § 216, codified at 8 U.S.C. § 1186a, requires you and your spouse to file a joint petition to remove those conditions. If you fail to file, your permanent residence automatically terminates. The statute also provides for a waiver of the joint filing requirement if you can show the marriage was entered in good faith but has ended through divorce or annulment, or if you or your child have been battered or subjected to extreme hardship.
For the specific sub-topic of removal of conditions, the controlling statute is INA § 216 (8 U.S.C. § 1186a). This statute governs the process for conditional residents who obtained status through marriage. Unlike general family-based immigration, this statute imposes a strict 90-day filing window and creates specific waiver grounds for divorce, battery, or extreme hardship. The Removal of Conditions Lawyer Ulster County you choose must understand these narrow statutory exceptions to protect your status.
Review the official statute: 8 U.S.C. § 1186a (INA § 216) — Conditions on Permanent Residence. For court procedures, visit the Ulster County Supreme Court website.
Immigration cases for Ulster County residents are processed at the applicable USCIS Field Location. For upstate New York residents, this is typically the USCIS Buffalo Field Office or the New York City Field Office at 26 Federal Plaza, depending on your ZIP code. Removal proceedings are heard at the New York Immigration Court at 26 Federal Plaza or Varick Street Immigration Court. New York has strong sanctuary policies — NYC Executive Order 41 limits city cooperation with ICE detainers and enforcement actions. Mr. Sris handles NY immigration matters. SRIS assists with family-based petitions, adjustment of status, naturalization, deportation defense, asylum, cancellation of removal, and VAWA petitions.
- Gather your evidence of bona fide marriage: joint lease, joint bank statements, joint tax returns, photos, affidavits from friends and family.
- Complete Form I-751 with your spouse. Ensure both signatures are notarized if filing jointly.
- File within the 90-day window before your conditional card expires. USCIS must receive it before the expiration date.
- If you are divorced or widowed, prepare a waiver request with a sworn affidavit and supporting evidence of good faith marriage.
- If you are a victim of battery or extreme cruelty, file a VAWA-based I-751 waiver with evidence of abuse.
- Attend your biometrics appointment and any interview at the USCIS field office assigned to your case.
In Ulster County, failing to file your I-751 petition on time results in automatic termination of your permanent resident status and places you in removal proceedings.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to file I-751 within 90-day window | Automatic termination of conditional residence | None (civil violation) | Filing fee: $850 (I-751) + $85 biometrics | N/A | Removal proceedings; loss of work authorization; inability to travel internationally |
| Filing a frivolous I-751 petition | Grounds for removal | None (civil violation) | N/A | N/A | Permanent bar from most immigration benefits; referral to ICE for removal |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute) and is frequently consulted by Indian Consulate officials in Washington, D.C. on U.S. legal matters. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our New York location serves clients at Ulster County courts. The NY location is accessible via I-87 (NYS Thruway), I-84, I-287, Taconic State Pkwy, and Route 9.
Looking for a removal of conditions lawyer near me Ulster County? We serve Kingston, New Paltz, Saugerties, Woodstock, Ellenville, Rosendale, Gardiner, Stone Ridge, and Marbletown.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
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Can I file my I-751 petition without a lawyer?
Yes, you can file Form I-751 yourself, but the process has strict requirements. USCIS will deny petitions with incomplete evidence or procedural errors. A Removal of Conditions Lawyer Ulster County can help you prepare a complete package that meets USCIS standards.
What happens if I miss the 90-day filing window?
Your conditional residence automatically terminates. USCIS will issue a Notice to Appear placing you in removal proceedings. You may file a late petition with a reasonable excuse, but USCIS has discretion to accept or reject it.
How long does the I-751 process take in Ulster County?
Processing times vary by USCIS field office. For the New York City Field Office, current estimates range from 12 to 24 months for joint petitions. Waiver-based petitions may take longer due to additional evidence review.
Can I get a divorce and still remove conditions on my green card?
Yes, you can file a divorce waiver. You must prove the marriage was entered in good faith, not solely for immigration benefits. Evidence includes joint assets, shared life documents, and affidavits from people who knew you as a couple.
What evidence do I need for a joint I-751 petition?
USCIS wants proof of a shared life: joint bank statements, joint tax returns, joint lease or mortgage, utility bills in both names, health insurance policies, birth certificates of children, and photos from your marriage and life together.
Do I need an interview for my I-751 petition?
Not always. USCIS may waive the interview if your evidence package is strong and you filed jointly. If you file a waiver, an interview is more likely. The interview occurs at the USCIS field office assigned to your ZIP code.
For more information, see our New York Immigration Lawyer hub page. Compare with Manhattan Immigration Lawyer or Brooklyn Immigration Lawyer. Related services: Criminal Defense Lawyer Ulster County and Divorce Lawyer Ulster County. View our attorney profile and New York office location.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.