Being granted permanent residence in the United States does not come without conditions. It is possible for those currently residing in California or elsewhere to seek the removal of conditional residence status by filing the appropriate petitions. Different paperwork will need to be filed based upon the reason for seeking to remove conditions — such as for marriage or for entrepreneurs/investors.
Those who enter the country for business purposes may be granted conditional permanent resident status. This is generally valid for two years. Approximately 90 days before one’s green card expires, an individual may file a petition to remove conditions. The petition that is needed is called Form I-829.
After filing this petition, one’s permanent resident status will be extended. The length of the extension is usually six months, but it may be longer depending on how long it takes immigrantion officials to process the petition. Failing to file a Form I-829 before one’s green card expires will result in one being considered removable from the country — unless a late petition is submitted with an explanation for the delay.
Filling out a form and submitting it to immigrantion authorities may seem simple enough, but there are a number of things that can go wrong. Paperwork issues are a major problem and are valid reasons for petition denials. An experienced attorney can help those immigrants currently residing in California for business purposes seek removal of conditional residence status. With help, paperwork issues can be avoided and any other problems quickly resolved.
Source: uscis.gov, “Remove Conditions on Permanent Residence for Entrepreneurs (Investors)“, Accessed on March 17, 2016
