I got legal alien status in Dec 2003 and recall having to do something within a number of months before the expiry of 2 years. Can't recall what it was exactly and there is so much bumf to go through, can anyone remind me? I am sure someone can!
This weekend I have Union Flag flying alongside Old Glory, to remind people whom they got independence from! But down East no-one recognises the Union Flag :-(
Martin

I bet you have "conditional permanent residence" - married to a USC for less than to years at the point at which you entered the US to live? ... If so after 21 months you are eligible to have the conditional status removed.

Martin,

Have a look on the USCIS web site (http://www.uscis.gov) under "removal of conditions" and the I-751 petition.

Many thanks both, I-751 duly found ready for September 9th. Apologies for my laziness, must be the humidity!

Mar'in

You're a CR-1 now and successful approval of the I-751 will make you an IR-1 (valid for 10 years).

I did the I-751 through Texas Service Center (TSC) in less than 12 months, finishing in Feb this year.

If you have any questions about the I-751, feel free to PM me or search for my posts in the Marriage Based Visas forum.

PS: a Raleigh office may open in early 2006 which will be more convenient to you than trekking to Charlotte (I have an appt. on Tuesday, 7/5/06).



NC Penguin

Thanks O Learned Pingouin!
Are you saying that an interview is obligatory?
The I-751 says file at Texas Centre and I have to do it between Sep and Dec 9th
Mar'in

Oh no. Interviews are not mandatory. It all depends on if any red flags are raised in your I-751 application (the form itself or questions about the documentation you send in with it).

You will have to go to Charlotte for an appointment for fingerprinting, to get your passport stamped (so you remain in status until you get your 10 yr GC) and to provide three (this is the magic number) passport photos.

The interview requirement is sometimes waived, but if one is called then it is handled at the local district office. What rhyme or reason is used for those that are selected for an interview and those that are not, is not really known.

AFTER you have had the 10 year thing granted, what happens if you get divorced from the person you are married to? Is you status removed and you have to leave?

Nope -- you can stay. Takes five years to naturalize instead of three. Otherwise, limitations stay pretty well the same.