How to Renew a 2-Year Green Card

Knowing how and when to renew a 2-year conditional Green Card is essential to maintain your immigration status. This guide explains what you need to know.

The immigration lawyers in Los Angeles at Lluis Law have extensive experience helping conditional residents renew their 2-year Green Card.

If you need legal guidance or are facing difficulties with your case, our team is ready to assist you.

How to renew a 2-year conditional Green Card in 2025

A 2-year conditional Green Card is not renewed like a regular Green Card. Instead, you must file a petition to remove the conditions during the 90-day period before your card expires.

The process varies depending on the type of conditional residence:

• If granted through marriage, you must file Form I-751 with USCIS.
• If granted through investment or business, you must file Form I-829 with USCIS.

Form I-90 is not used in these cases. If you fail to file within the allowed timeframe, you may lose your status and face deportation.

Note: If you are in removal proceedings, our immigration attorneys specializing in deportation can help. Call us today so we can address your immigration situation.

Why is a Green Card valid for only two years?

A 2-year Green Card is issued when the applicant’s marriage is less than two years old at the time of approval.

USCIS grants conditional residency to ensure the marriage is bona fide and not entered into solely for immigration benefits.

What does it mean to be a conditional permanent resident?

Conditional permanent residence is valid for two years and cannot be renewed. To maintain your immigration status, you must file a petition to remove conditions within 90 days before your card expires.

Note: USCIS offers a tool to calculate the exact date you can file Form I-751.

How do I get the full 10-year Green Card?

You must file Form I-751 to remove the conditions from your Green Card.

This petition must be filed within the 90 days prior to your card’s expiration date. Check the expiration date and count backward 90 days to know when to submit your petition.

If approved, USCIS will issue you a 10-year lawful permanent resident Green Card.

What happens if I don’t file on time?

Failing to file the petition on time can result in:

• Loss of legal status;
• Initiation of removal proceedings;
• Cancellation of work or travel permits;
• Inadmissibility for future immigration benefits.

USCIS may accept a late petition if the delay is justified with valid evidence.

However, filing within the allotted time is strongly recommended to avoid complications.

Note: If your deadline has passed and you are now in removal proceedings, you may qualify for cancellation of removal.

Forms for removing conditions based on type of residence

If you have conditional residence, the form you must submit depends on the type of residency granted:

• For marriage-based Green Cards, submit Form I-751 with evidence proving the marriage was entered into in good faith.
• For investment-based residence under the EB-5 program, submit Form I-829 with documentation showing program requirements were met.

Can I remove conditions without a lawyer?

It is legally possible to file the petition without an attorney, but it’s not always advisable due to:

• USCIS requiring strong proof that the marriage was entered into in good faith;
• Complexities in cases involving prior marriages, limited cohabitation, or separation;
• Risk of denial and potential removal proceedings if there are errors or insufficient evidence.

What if I am divorced, separated, or planning to divorce?

If you are separated, divorced, or considering divorce, the process to obtain the 10-year Green Card may be more complex. Key points:

• It becomes harder if you are no longer in a good-faith marriage;
• USCIS closely scrutinizes cases with divorce or separation;
• Even without a legal divorce, separation may impact your petition;
• Legal counsel is critical before filing the form;
• You can apply for a waiver based on a bona fide marriage or abuse, but strong evidence is required.

Want to learn more about how divorce affects your immigration status? Read our blog on what happens if you divorce before the Green Card interview.

What if my spouse abused me during the marriage?

If you suffered abuse during the marriage, you may be eligible to file for a Green Card without your spouse’s support. Consider the following:

• You can file Form I-751 as a victim of abuse;
• This applies even if you are still legally married;
• Strong and consistent evidence is necessary; a personal statement alone is not enough;
• An attorney can help you build a solid evidentiary package;
• This is considered a waiver based on battery or extreme cruelty under immigration law.

If you were abused in the US, you may also be eligible for VAWA or a U visa.

What happens after filing the petition?

1. USCIS sends Form I-797 as a receipt notice;
2. Your Green Card is extended for 24 months while the case is processed;
3. You can work and travel legally with the expired Green Card and valid receipt;
4. USCIS may schedule an interview to verify the legitimacy of the marriage or investment.

FAQs: Renewing the 2-year conditional Green Card

What if my 2-year Green Card has already expired?

If your 2-year Green Card has expired and you did not file the petition on time, you risk losing your legal status and facing removal proceedings.

Consult with our immigration attorney immediately, all may not be lost.

In some cases, USCIS may accept a late petition with valid justification.

What do I need to renew a 2-year Green Card?

A 2-year conditional Green Card cannot be renewed. You must file to remove the conditions to obtain a permanent Green Card.

Can I apply for a permanent Green Card after 2 years?

Yes, if you were granted conditional residency, you can apply for lawful permanent residency after the 2-year period.

You must file Form I-751 within 90 days before your conditional Green Card expires. If USCIS approves your petition, you will receive permanent resident status.

How can Lluis Law help with renewing a 2-year conditional Green Card?

At Lluis Law, we have over 40 years of experience assisting immigrants, particularly in Los Angeles and throughout California.

We have successfully represented clients renewing their conditional residency, whether through a legitimate marriage or under more complex circumstances.

We also help with late petitions backed by valid justifications, prepare supporting evidence, and offer direct representation before USCIS.