
In Manhattan, removing conditions on a marriage-based green card requires filing Form I-751 with USCIS. A Removal of Conditions Lawyer Manhattan from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can help you handle joint filing or waiver petitions. Mr. Sris has handled 4,739+ firm-wide case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | New York County Supreme Court | New York County Supreme Court website
Removal of conditions is the process under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) § 216, codified at 8 U.S.C. § 1186a, where a conditional permanent resident must file Form I-751 to remove the two-year condition on their green card. This applies to spouses of U.S. citizens or permanent residents who received conditional residency within 90 days of marriage. The petition must be filed jointly by both spouses, or with a waiver if the marriage ended in divorce, involved battery or extreme cruelty, or would cause extreme hardship. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, handles these cases for Manhattan residents.
For removal of conditions specifically, the governing statute is INA § 216 (8 U.S.C. § 1186a). The sub-topic definition: removal of conditions is the USCIS process to convert a two-year conditional green card into a permanent 10-year green card. Unlike general family-based immigration, this requires proving the marriage was bona fide and not entered into to evade immigration laws. Mr. Sris handles these cases for Manhattan clients.
Official resources: USCIS Form I-751 page (uscis.gov) and New York County Supreme Court (nycourts.gov).
In Manhattan, USCIS processes I-751 petitions at the New York City Field Office at 26 Federal Plaza. The office has a significant backlog, with processing times averaging 18-24 months. Joint filing requires both spouses to appear for an interview. Waiver cases (divorce, battery, hardship) require extensive documentation and may face higher scrutiny.
- Gather evidence of bona fide marriage: joint lease, joint bank accounts, joint tax returns, photos, affidavits.
- Complete Form I-751 with both spouses’ signatures for joint filing.
- File the petition with USCIS within 90 days before the 2-year green card expiration.
- Receive a receipt notice extending conditional status for 18-24 months while USCIS processes the case.
- Attend the interview at 26 Federal Plaza, Manhattan, with both spouses (joint filing) or with supporting evidence (waiver).
- Receive approval and 10-year green card, or Notice of Intent to Deny requiring additional evidence.
In Manhattan, failing to file Form I-751 on time results in automatic termination of conditional resident status and potential removal proceedings.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to file I-751 on time | Immigration violation | None (civil) | None (civil) | N/A | Automatic termination of conditional resident status; removal proceedings |
| Marriage fraud (knowingly) | Federal crime | Up to 5 years | Up to $250,000 | N/A | Deportation; permanent bar from immigration benefits |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. The firm serves clients in Manhattan and throughout New York.
Mr. Sris — Owner & CEO, Managing Attorney. Bar admissions: Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York. Former prosecutor. Founded firm in 1997. Background in accounting & information systems. Handles immigration matters including removal of conditions for Manhattan residents.
SRIS actively practices in Manhattan. 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 New York County (Manhattan) courts. The location is accessible via FDR Drive, West Side Highway, and all subway lines.
Looking for a removal of conditions lawyer near me Manhattan? We serve all Manhattan neighborhoods: Midtown, Lower Manhattan, Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Harlem, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Tribeca, Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, East Village, Financial District, Chinatown, Washington Heights, Inwood.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Q: Do I need a Removal of Conditions Lawyer Manhattan for a joint I-751 filing?
Yes. Even for joint filings, USCIS officers at 26 Federal Plaza often request additional evidence. A lawyer helps ensure your application is complete and that you are prepared for the interview.
Q: Can I file Form I-751 without my spouse if we are divorced?
Yes. You can file with a divorce waiver. You must provide the divorce decree and evidence that the marriage was bona fide. A lawyer can help gather the required documentation.
Q: How long does it take USCIS to process an I-751 in Manhattan?
It depends. Current processing times at the New York City Field Office average 18-24 months. You will receive a receipt notice extending your conditional status while the case is pending.
Q: What happens if I miss the 90-day filing window for I-751?
You risk automatic termination of your conditional resident status. USCIS may issue a Notice to Appear for removal proceedings. A lawyer can help file a late petition with a reasonable excuse.
Q: Is an affordable removal of conditions lawyer Manhattan available?
Yes. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers payment plans and consultation by appointment. Call (888) 437-7747 to discuss fees and options for your I-751 case.
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Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.