Green Card for Parents of US Citizens

Green Card for Parents of US Citizens

CR1 Conditional Green Card & I-751 Overview

If you received your green card through marriage (Adjustment of Status) and your marriage was less than two years old at approval, you received a conditional green card (CR1 visa). This conditional green card is valid for 2 years. To remain a permanent resident in the U.S., you must remove these conditions by filing Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence. Once approved, your status converts to a permanent resident and your green card becomes valid for 10 years.

Call us now for guidance on your I-751 petition: 323-805-0445

Steps to Remove Green Card Conditions in 2025
  • Submit Form I-751 to remove conditions on residence.
  • Prove your marriage is bona fide with supporting documentation.
  • Submit your application within 90 days before your conditional green card expires.
  • File jointly with your spouse. If this is not possible, you may apply for an I-751 waiver.
What is Form I-751?

The purpose of Form I-751 is to prove your marriage is legitimate and not entered into for immigration benefits. Joint filing with your U.S. citizen spouse is standard. Exceptions for I-751 waivers include divorce, death of the spouse, abusive marriage, or extreme hardship if deported.

I-751 Filing Instructions
  • Prove your marriage is bona fide. Evidence may include:
    • Proof of living together: lease agreements, utility bills, driver’s licenses with same address.
    • Proof of marital relationship: wedding and vacation photos, joint events.
    • Proof of commingling finances: joint bank accounts, joint tax returns.
    • Proof of children: birth certificates if applicable.
    • Affidavits from friends and family confirming your marriage is real.
  • Submit the application on time: within 90 days prior to conditional green card expiration.
  • File jointly, unless applying for a waiver due to divorce, death, abuse, or extreme hardship.
I-751 Processing Time in 2025

Processing time for jointly filed I-751 petitions is between 10 and 25 months, depending on service center and case complexity. Waivers may affect timelines.

I-751 vs Green Card Renewal
  • Removing conditions: transitions from 2-year conditional green card to 10-year permanent green card.
  • Green card renewal: for existing 10-year green card holders who need to replace or renew their card due to expiration, loss, or theft.


For help with either process, call our office: 323-805-0445

Where to File Form I-751
  • USPS: USCIS, P.O. Box 21200, Phoenix, AZ 85036
  • FedEx/UPS/DHL: USCIS, Attn: I-751, 1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S, Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ 85034
Hiring a Lawyer for I-751
  • Expertise and Experience: Navigate complex immigration laws and procedures.
  • Legal Advice: Personalized guidance, case review, and strategy.
  • Documentation Preparation: Gather evidence to support your bona fide marriage.
  • Avoid Mistakes: Accurate completion of forms to minimize delays or denials.
  • Legal Representation: Handle RFEs, interviews, or appeals with USCIS.
  • Knowledge of Changes: Stay updated on immigration law and requirements.
  • Time and Stress Savings: Let our attorneys manage the process efficiently.
  • Higher Chance of Success: Benefit from a 99% approval rate.

Call us at 323-805-0445 to speak with an experienced attorney and schedule a consultation.

I-751 FAQ
  • Can I file online? No, the I-751 must be mailed as a paper application.
  • Why does processing take so long? Factors include high volume of applications, resource constraints, complex cases, background checks, Requests for Evidence (RFEs), administrative backlog, regional variations, and policy changes.
  • How to reduce delays? Submit complete documentation, respond promptly to RFEs, monitor USCIS processing times, and consult an immigration attorney if needed.
Employment Visas

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Contact Me:

Practice Areas:

  • Immigration Law
  • Affirmative and Defensive Asylum
  • Employment Immigration
  • Cancelation of Removal
  • Credible Fear Inerview

Education:

Florida International University College of Law, Miami, Florida
  • Miami – 2020
  • Honors: Dean’s List
Universidad Francisco Gavidia, San Salvador
  • B.S. – 2008
  • Major: Engineering

Representative Clients

  • Hispanic

Current Employment Position

  • Senior Partner

Mariano F. Herrera

Mariano Herrera is a passionate and dedicated United States Immigration Attorney originally from El Salvador, Central America. His personal journey as an immigrant to the United States inspired him to pursue a career devoted to helping others navigate the complex path of immigration law. After earning his Juris Doctor from Florida International University (FIU) College of Law and passing the bar exam, Mariano began his practice as an immigration attorney with an unwavering commitment to advocacy and justice. Drawing on his own immigrant experience, Mariano deeply understands the hopes and challenges faced by those seeking a new life in America. He brings empathy, precision, and determination to every case, representing clients before the Immigration Courts and USCIS. His mission is simple yet profound — to help as many immigrants as possible realize their American dream. Mariano’s legal expertise covers a wide range of immigration matters, including business and employment immigration, family-based petitions, asylum, deportation defense, and naturalization. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and steadfast dedication, he ensures that each client receives personalized guidance and strong representation. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Mariano effectively serves a diverse community of clients from around the world. Beyond his legal practice, Mariano is actively engaged in community outreach and education. He regularly leads workshops and seminars to inform immigrants about their rights and legal options, and partners with nonprofit organizations to provide pro bono legal services to those in need. Outside the office, Mariano enjoys traveling, exploring different cultures, and discovering new cuisines — experiences that broaden his worldview and deepen his empathy for clients from all backgrounds. A passionate reader and keen follower of global affairs, he continually enriches his knowledge of immigration trends and international issues. Mariano Herrera’s journey from El Salvador to the United States, combined with his compassion and professional excellence, has made him a trusted advocate and a respected figure in the field of immigration law.

Past Positions

  • Brandis and Associates, Associate Attorney, Feb. 2022 – July 2022

Professional Associations

  • State Bar of Wisconsin, Member, 2020
  • American Immigration Lawyers Association, Member, 2022 – 2023

Bar Admissions

  • El Salvador, 2003
  • Wisconsin, 2020
  • U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit
  • U.S. Immigration Court

Contact Me:

Practice Areas:

  • Immigration Law
  • Business Immigration
  • Employment Immigration
  • Family Based Immigration
  • Non-Immigrant Visas

Education:

Florida International University College of Law, Miami, Florida

  • LL.M – 2020
  • Honors: Dean’s List

Bowling Greend State University, Bowling Green, Ohio

  • M.A.
  • Honors: Dean’s List

Representative Clients

  • Caribbean

Current Employment Position

  • Partner

Juliette A. Potter

Juliette Potter is a highly accomplished United States Immigration Attorney with over two decades of legal experience. She began her legal journey as a Barrister in the United Kingdom and was later admitted as an Attorney-at-Law in Antigua and Barbuda before the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court.

Ms. Potter’s academic background is equally distinguished. She holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Florida International University College of Law, a Bachelor of Laws (Honors) from the University of Wolverhampton, and a Legal Education Certificate from the Norman Manley Law School in Jamaica. She also earned a Master’s degree in Organization Development from Bowling Green State University’s College of Business in Ohio.

Her professional experience spans both the corporate and legal worlds. Before entering private immigration practice, she served as Chief Legal Officer for an international group of companies. Today, she is a Licensed Attorney in the State of New York, representing clients before the Federal Immigration Courts of the United States, while also maintaining her active law license in Antigua and Barbuda.

As an immigrant herself, Ms. Potter brings a unique perspective and deep empathy to her practice. Her personal experiences inspire her unwavering commitment to helping clients navigate the complexities of U.S. immigration law with confidence and care.

Outside the courtroom, Ms. Potter enjoys cooking, traveling, and exploring new cuisines — passions that reflect her appreciation for diversity and global cultures, both in life and in law.

Past Positions

  • The Fairweather Group, Chief Legal Officer, 2012 to 2018
  • Elite Island Holding Company Ltd., Legal Counsel, 2005 to 2012

Professional Associations

  • New York State Bar Association, Member, 2022
  • Antigua and Barbuda Bar Association, Member, 2005
  • American Immigration Lawyers Association, Member, 2023 – 2024

Bar Admissions

  • England and Wales, 2003
  • Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, 2005
  • New York, 2023