Green cards are permanent resident cards. Immigrants who obtain green cards might be able to stay in the United States for the rest of their lives. Unless they commit disqualifying crimes, they can typically renew their green cards every 10 years.
Permanent residents typically have little reason to worry about removal from the United States and have many privileges and protections when compared with those living in the United States with visas. For many immigrants, a green card is their primary immigration goal.
Many people obtain green cards through relationships, including marriages. When the permanent resident obtains a green card through marriage, it may not be the same as traditional green cards. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues conditional green cards to certain spouses of United States citizens. What makes those green cards different?
Conditional green cards depend on continued marriage
The USCIS only issues conditional green cards to spouses of citizens. Even then, some immigrant spouses qualify for standard green cards. Only those who have been married for less than three years receive conditional green cards. Fiances who marry United States citizens after entering the country with K-1 visas receive conditional green cards.
The only condition that makes a marital green card different is the requirement to remain married for at least two years. After two years, the immigrant spouse must submit paperwork to the USCIS asking to remove the conditions on their green card. If they follow the right process and qualify, the USCIS then grants them a standard green card. Even if they divorce after that point, they don’t have to worry about losing their permanent resident status.
Sometimes, those who enter the country for a legitimate marital relationship cannot remain married for the mandatory two years. Their spouses may die in some cases. They may divorce due to abuse or infidelity in others. Those who lose their spouses and who divorce due to domestic violence may qualify for special immigration programs.
Learning more about family-based immigration can help people plan for the future when growing their families. Conditional green cards can be an important stepping stone for those starting a new life with a spouse in the United States.