Removal of Conditions Lawyer Tompkins County helps you handle the I-751 petition process under the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. § 1186a). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Our Tompkins County immigration lawyer provides case-specific guidance for your green card conditions removal.
Understanding Removal of Conditions Under Immigration Law
Removal of conditions is the process under Immigration and Nationality Act § 216 (8 U.S.C. § 1186a) for conditional permanent residents to obtain a 10-year green card. You must file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, within the 90-day window before your conditional residence expires. Failure to file results in automatic termination of permanent resident status. The USCIS adjudicates these petitions at the applicable field office based on your ZIP code. For Tompkins County residents, the Buffalo Field Office or New York City Field Office at 26 Federal Plaza handles affirmative filings. Removal proceedings occur at the New York Immigration Court.
Last verified: April 2026 | Tompkins County Supreme Court | Official Court Website
I-751 Petition — Specific Statutory Requirements
Under 8 U.S.C. § 1186a(c)(1), you and your spouse must file a joint petition to remove conditions. The USCIS requires proof that your marriage was bona fide and not entered into to evade immigration laws. Evidence includes joint bank accounts, leases, tax returns, and affidavits from third parties. If your marriage ended through divorce or annulment, you may file a waiver under 8 U.S.C. § 1186a(c)(4) with evidence of good faith marriage.
Official Resources for Removal of Conditions
Insider Procedural Edge for Tompkins County I-751 Filings
USCIS officers at the Buffalo Field Office scrutinize joint petitions for inconsistencies. Your evidence package must tell a coherent story from marriage date through filing. Missing tax transcripts or incomplete lease agreements trigger Requests for Evidence (RFEs).
- Gather marriage certificate, joint tax returns (3 years), joint bank statements (12 months), and joint lease or mortgage documents.
- Complete Form I-751 with your spouse, ensuring all signatures match passport signatures exactly.
- Assemble evidence of bona fide marriage: photos spanning your relationship, affidavits from friends/family, insurance policies, and beneficiary designations.
- File the complete package with USCIS by mail to the correct lockbox facility based on your state of residence.
- Receive Form I-797 receipt notice extending your conditional residence for 18-24 months while USCIS adjudicates.
- Attend biometrics appointment and, if scheduled, the interview at the Buffalo Field Office or New York City Field Office.
In Tompkins County, failing to file I-751 within the 90-day window results in automatic termination of conditional permanent resident status.
| Issue | Classification | Consequence | Filing Fee | Status Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to file I-751 timely | Automatic termination | Loss of permanent resident status | N/A | N/A — status terminated | NTA issued; removal proceedings initiated |
| Joint petition approved | Favorable determination | 10-year green card issued | $850 (including biometrics) | Permanent residence confirmed | Eligible for naturalization after 3 years |
| Joint petition denied | Adverse determination | Conditional residence terminated | N/A | NTA issued | Removal proceedings; possible appeal to BIA |
| Waiver filed (divorce/battery) | Discretionary determination | 10-year green card if approved | $850 (including biometrics) | Permanent residence if approved | Higher evidentiary standard; interview likely |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Handles Removal of Conditions in Tompkins County
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Our firm has documented 4,739+ case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY. Mr. Sris personally leads our immigration practice, providing direct oversight on every removal of conditions case. Our firm’s tagline — “Advocacy Without Borders” — reflects our commitment to clients handling complex immigration procedures.
Case Results for Removal of Conditions
SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our immigration team has successfully assisted Tompkins County residents with I-751 joint petitions, divorce waivers, and battered spouse waivers.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Removal of Conditions Lawyer Near Tompkins County
Our New York location serves clients at Tompkins County courts. Our removal of conditions lawyer near me Tompkins County assists residents of Ithaca, Dryden, Lansing, Trumansburg, Groton, Newfield, Caroline, and Enfield. Our affordable removal of conditions lawyer Tompkins County provides case-specific guidance for I-751 petitions.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142, Buffalo, NY 14202
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Removal of Conditions in Tompkins County
What is the filing fee for I-751 in Tompkins County?
Yes. The filing fee for Form I-751 is $850, which includes the $85 biometrics fee. Fee waivers are available if you qualify based on income.
Can I file I-751 after divorce in Tompkins County?
Yes. You may file a divorce waiver under 8 U.S.C. § 1186a(c)(4) if your marriage ended in divorce or annulment. You must prove the marriage was entered into in good faith.
How long does I-751 processing take for Tompkins County residents?
It depends. Current USCIS processing times for I-751 range from 12 to 24 months. You receive a receipt notice extending your conditional residence for 18-24 months while waiting.
What happens if I miss the 90-day filing window?
It depends. USCIS may accept a late filing with a written explanation showing good cause. Without good cause, your conditional residence terminates automatically and USCIS issues an NTA for removal proceedings.
Do I need a lawyer for I-751 in Tompkins County?
No, but it is strongly recommended. USCIS officers scrutinize joint petitions for inconsistencies. An attorney helps ensure your evidence package meets all requirements and responds to RFEs effectively.
Where is the immigration court for Tompkins County?
Removal proceedings are heard at New York Immigration Court, 26 Federal Plaza, Manhattan, or Varick Street Immigration Court. USCIS Buffalo Field Office handles affirmative applications for upstate residents.
New York Immigration Lawyer — Manhattan Immigration Lawyer — Brooklyn Immigration Lawyer — Tompkins County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Tompkins County Family Law Lawyer
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.