Do you have a 2-year residence permit? Don't make this mistake when renewing it.

paola vanessa romero rondon
4 days ago
4 min read

Renewing immigration papers can be confusing, and a small mistake can lead to big problems. Recently, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a very important warning for people who have conditional permanent residence (a green card valid for only two years).

The most common mistake is trying to renew this card using the wrong form. If you make a mistake, not only will you waste time and money, but you could also jeopardize your legal stay in the United States. Here we explain in simple terms what you should do and what you should avoid.

The big mistake: Using Form I-90 to renew.

Most permanent residents use Form I-90 to renew their green card when it is about to expire (every 10 years). However, if your card is only valid for 2 years, you CANNOT use this form to renew it.

The immigration agency (USCIS) is very clear:

"Do not submit this form (I-90) if you are a conditional resident seeking to remove the conditions on your green card."

If your 2-year card expires and you do not complete the correct procedure, you may automatically lose your immigration status and be subject to deportation.

What is Conditional Residency?

To find out if this affects you, check your Green Card. You are a conditional resident if:

You obtained residency through marriage to a citizen or resident, and you had been married for less than two years at the time of receiving it.
You obtained residency through a financial investment (business owners).

This residence lasts only two years because it is like a "trial period" to verify that the marriage or investment is genuine.

What form should I use instead of Form I-90?

Instead of "renewing," what you need to do is "remove the conditions" on your residence. You must do this 90 days before your card expires.

Depending on your situation, this is the form you need:

Form I-751: Use this form if you obtained your residency through marriage.
Form I-829: Use this form if you obtained your residency by making a financial investment in a U.S. company.

Please note: If you do not submit these forms on time, you will lose your status on the day your card expires after two years.

When can a conditional resident use Form I-90?

Although you cannot use Form I-90 to renew due to expiration, you can use it to replace the plastic card in very specific situations.

You can use Form I-90 if you are a conditional resident ONLY if:

You lost your card, it was stolen, or it was damaged.

The card has an error in the information (misspelled name, incorrect date, etc.).

You legally changed your name and need to update your card.

You never received the card that USCIS sent you.

Remember: This is only to replace the plastic, not to extend your residency period..

Another reason USCIS rejects applications: The date of issue

In addition to using the correct form, you should check the date on the form.

USCIS updates its documents constantly. If you submit an old version of the form, it will be rejected.

How can this be avoided?

Before printing, go to the USCIS website and look for the "Date of Issue" section.
Check the bottom of the form pages. There you will see a date (month/day/year).

Ensure that all pages have the same date and that it is the version currently accepted by USCIS.

SOURCE: La Nacion

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the new immigration fees:

1. What happens if I submit Form I-90 to renew my 2-year card?

USCIS will reject your application because that form is not valid for removing the conditions on your residence. If this happens and your time runs out, you could lose your legal status.

2. When should I submit the request to remove the conditions?

You must send it within 90 days before your 2-year card expires. Do not send it before those 90 days, or after it expires.

3. What happens after submitting Form I-751 or I-829?

Generally, USCIS will extend your temporary residence permit while they review your case. You may have to attend an interview to prove that your marriage or investment is still legitimate.

4. My 2-year card was lost. What should I do?

In this case, you CAN use Form I-90 to request a replacement for loss or theft. But remember, this does not stop the clock for filing Form I-751 or I-829 when the expiration date approaches.

Do you have questions about your Green Card?

Immigration procedures have very strict deadlines and rules. If you are unsure which form to use, we recommend consulting with an immigration lawyer to protect your future in the United States.

Do you need a lawyer to help you obtain your papers in the United States?

At Inmigración Ok Abogados, we provide you with the help you need. We are a law firm with extensive experience in advising people like you on how to legally settle in the country.

Our company not only stands out for its professionalism and efficiency, but also offers payment facilities so that you don't feel that your dreams are out of reach due to financial barriers. Inmigración Ok Abogados is committed to you, and our main goal is to ensure that you have the best legal representation for your case.

Let us be part of your journey toward a better and safer life in the United States. Our team is ready to answer all your questions and guide you through every step of the process. Best of all, the initial review of your case is free of charge!

Don't wait any longer and take the first step toward your future in the United States. Write to us now at our WhatsApp al +1 (908) 585-4523! Our team looks forward to learning about your case and providing you with the advice you deserve. We will review your case at no cost.