Removal of Conditions Lawyer Foggy Bottom, DC

When a conditional green card is set to expire, the removal of conditions process becomes a critical step in securing permanent residency. For those living in Foggy Bottom and throughout the District of Columbia, immigration matters involving the I‑751 petition are handled by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) at its Washington District Office in Fairfax, Virginia. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. assists clients from Foggy Bottom and all DC neighborhoods with removal of conditions applications, interview preparation, and responses to requests for evidence. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team bring extensive experience in immigration law, helping conditional residents navigate the documentation requirements and meet USCIS deadlines. For those who have received a denial or whose marriage has ended before the petition could be filed, the firm also handles waiver applications and motions to reopen. To discuss a removal of conditions matter, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Removal of Conditions Means in Foggy Bottom

A conditional green card is issued to a foreign national who obtained lawful permanent residence through a marriage that was less than two years old at the time of approval. The card itself is valid for only two years. To keep the status, the conditional resident must file Form I‑751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence) during the 90‑day period immediately before the card expires. USCIS then adjudicates the petition; an approved petition leads to a ten‑year permanent resident card, while a denial can place the individual in removal proceedings.

For residents of Foggy Bottom, the filing is submitted to the USCIS Washington District Office located at 2675 Prosperity Avenue in Fairfax, Virginia. This is the same office that processes affirmative applications such as green cards, naturalization, and work permits for all DC‑area residents. If a removal of conditions case falls into adversarial posture—for instance, after a denial that triggers a Notice to Appear—the matter may move to the Arlington Immigration Court at 1901 South Bell Street, Arlington, Virginia. Immigration law is federal, so the procedures and legal standards are uniform across all jurisdictions. However, local practice in the Washington field office, including interview scheduling norms and the types of documentation examiners expect, benefits from familiarity with the office’s routines. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have handled immigration matters that travel through the Washington District Office and the Arlington Immigration Court; they bring that experience to clients in Foggy Bottom, Dupont Circle, Georgetown, and every ward of the District.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Removal of Conditions Cases

The removal of conditions process requires more than simply mailing a completed I‑751 form. USCIS closely reviews the evidence of a bona fide marriage. A petition that is incomplete, that lacks sufficient documentation, or that raises questions about the legitimacy of the marriage can lead to a Request for Evidence (RFE), a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID), an in‑person interview, or outright denial. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. works with clients from the initial eligibility assessment through the final decision.

The firm assists with gathering and organizing the documentation USCIS expects: joint lease or mortgage records, shared bank account statements, utility bills in both names, insurance policies, birth certificates of children born during the marriage, photographs, and affidavits from individuals who can attest to the relationship. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel also prepare clients for the Stokes interview, if one is scheduled, and respond to any RFE or NOID with a thorough legal memorandum supported by the relevant Immigration and Nationality Act provisions and any applicable precedents. When a marriage has ended in divorce before the I‑751 can be filed jointly, the firm prepares a waiver request under the good‑faith‑marriage exception. If USCIS has already denied a petition, the team evaluates opportunities for a motion to reconsider, a motion to reopen, or, where appropriate, review before the Board of Immigration Appeals. Throughout the process, the firm’s goal is a favorable outcome, though no result can be past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced immigration law since the firm’s founding in 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and he has handled family‑based immigration matters including I‑751 petitions, consular processing, and removal defense for more than a quarter century. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). As a former prosecutor, he brings a background in government adjudication to his immigration practice.

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team bring extensive experience to removal of conditions cases. The Of Counsel attorneys, who are non‑employee practitioners engaged by the firm, contribute experience in immigration litigation, family petitions, and federal court practice. Together, the team works to present each I‑751 petition with the evidentiary support and legal arguments that the adjudication process demands. For a consultation about a Foggy Bottom removal of conditions matter, reach the firm at (888) 437‑7747.

Last reviewed: July 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is removal of conditions on a green card?

Removal of conditions is the process by which a conditional permanent resident applies to have the conditions on his or her lawful resident status removed, converting a two‑year green card into a ten‑year permanent resident card. It applies to individuals who obtained permanent residence based on a marriage that was less than two years old at the time the green card was granted. The conditional resident must file Form I‑751 with USCIS during the 90‑day period preceding the second anniversary of the grant of conditional residence. Failure to file on time can result in termination of status and the initiation of removal proceedings. The petition must demonstrate that the marriage was entered in good faith and not for the purpose of evading immigration laws.

Why do I need a lawyer for an I‑751 petition?

You are not legally required to hire a lawyer for an I‑751 petition, but experienced immigration counsel can help you avoid common mistakes that lead to delays, RFEs, or denial. A removal of conditions filing requires careful compilation of evidence showing the bona fides of the marriage. USCIS may request additional documents or schedule an interview, sometimes known as a Stokes interview, if the initial submission raises questions. An attorney can prepare you for that interview, respond to an RFE or NOID with a legally framed memorandum, and pursue a waiver if the marriage has ended in divorce. An experienced immigration lawyer also knows the local USCIS field office practices, which can be valuable during the adjudication process.

What happens if USCIS denies my I‑751?

If USCIS denies your I‑751 petition, the agency will issue a denial notice and may place you in removal proceedings before the Immigration Court. At that point, you have the right to renew the application before an immigration judge, who will conduct a de novo hearing. You may also have grounds to file a motion to reconsider or a motion to reopen with USCIS if you believe the denial was made in error or if new evidence is available. If the denial becomes final, the immigration judge may order removal. Working with an immigration attorney as soon as possible after a denial is critical because the procedural deadlines are firm. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel represent clients in both USCIS and Immigration Court proceedings, including appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals.

Can I still get a waiver if I am divorced?

Yes, a divorced conditional resident may still obtain a waiver of the joint filing requirement by showing that the marriage was entered in good faith, even though it ended in divorce. The waiver, known as a good‑faith‑marriage waiver, requires evidence that the marriage was genuine at its inception. USCIS will examine the same types of documentation it would review in a joint petition—leases, financial records, photographs, and affidavits—but the absence of a cooperating spouse makes the preparation more demanding. Additionally, even without a waiver, the conditional resident may be eligible to file a late I‑751 if good cause is shown for the untimely filing. A skilled immigration attorney can help determine which pathway is most appropriate for your situation.

How long does the removal of conditions process take?

The removal of conditions timeline depends on USCIS processing times, whether an interview is required, and whether the petition triggers a Request for Evidence or a Notice of Intent to Deny. Processing times for the Washington District Office can vary. If the petition is straightforward and well‑documented, USCIS may approve it without an interview. If an interview is scheduled, the wait for an available appointment can add additional months. Cases that involve divorce waivers, prior fraud allegations, or complex evidentiary issues generally take longer. Timelines are also affected by USCIS backlogs and policy changes. Check the USCIS website for current processing estimates, and consult with an immigration attorney about any factors that may affect the particular petition.

Do I need to attend an interview for my I‑751?

USCIS may require an in‑person interview for an I‑751 petition, although many well‑documented joint petitions are approved without one. The likelihood of an interview increases if the marriage occurred while the conditional resident was in removal proceedings, if there is a significant age disparity between the spouses, or if the documentary evidence alone is insufficient to satisfy the examiner. In cases involving a divorce waiver, an interview is more common. If an interview is scheduled, both spouses must generally attend unless a waiver excuses the absent spouse. The firm prepares clients for the interview by reviewing likely questions and helping organize supporting documents.

For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

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