Navigating the US immigration system can be difficult, particularly when it comes to knowing the many categories and codes associated with green cards. The CR-6 green card category is particularly important for spouses of US citizens seeking permanent residency. This blog will explain what the CR-6 green card category is, how to eliminate the conditions associated with it, and how to verify your green card category to ensure your status is properly classified.
What is the CR-6 Green Card Category?
The CR-6 green card is intended for spouses of US citizens who have been married for less than two years when permanent residency is granted. The “CR” stands for “Conditional Resident,” indicating that the green card issued is conditional and only good for two years. This contrasts from the regular ten-year green card granted to the majority of other types of permanent residents.
The “6” in CR-6 specifically refers to the provision of immigration law that pertains to persons who married a US citizen and were granted conditional permanent residency through consular processing abroad. If you were issued a green card while living outside the United States after marrying a US citizen, your card will fall into the CR-6 category.
This conditional status is intended to ensure that the marriage is real rather than just for immigration motives. The two-year period serves as a probationary period in which the marriage must demonstrate its legitimacy.
How to Remove Conditions on a CR-6 Green Card
After two years with a CR-6 green card, you must waive the conditions to acquire a permanent green card good for ten years. This is accomplished by submitting Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Timing is essential: Form I-751 must be filed within 90 days of your two-year green card expiration date. If you file outside this time frame, your petition will be denied, and you may lose your resident status.
- Joint Filing: Typically, both spouses submit Form I-751 jointly. This joint petition must include documents indicating that the marriage is still active and legitimate. Joint financial records, leases, birth certificates for any children, and other evidence of your married existence may be used as supporting documents.
- Waivers for Joint Filing: In certain circumstances, such as divorce, widowhood, or if you endured abuse or extreme cruelty during the marriage, you may be able to file Form I-751 without your spouse. In these situations, you must offer supporting documentation, such as a divorce decree, police reports, or medical records.
- Biometrics Appointment: After filing Form I-751, you will be scheduled for a biometrics session, during which USCIS will capture your fingerprints, photos, and signature for security purposes.
- Approval and Permanent Green Card: If USCIS approves your Form I-751 petition, your conditional status will be lifted, and you will be granted a permanent green card valid for ten years. If your petition is denied, you may face removal proceedings, so make sure your application is thorough and precise.
How Can I Check My Green Card Category?
Understanding your green card category is critical to recognizing your rights and responsibilities as a resident. To verify your green card category, look on the front of the card under the “Category” section, which is usually near the bottom.
If you see “CR6” in this column, it means you were granted conditional residency as the spouse of a US citizen while living overseas. Other versions, such as CR-1 or CR-2, may appear based on whether you were in the United States or abroad, and whether there are children involved.
You can also check your green card category by checking the Notice of Action (Form I-797) you got from USCIS after your application was granted. This notice normally also includes the category code.
If you are unsure about your category or suspect there is a problem, you should contact USCIS or consult with an immigration attorney who can help you verify your status and make any required modifications.
The CR-6 green card category is an important classification for spouses of US citizens who have been married for less than two years and were living abroad when their green card was awarded. Understanding this category, how to remove conditions from your residence, and how to check your green card category are critical for a seamless transition to permanent residency.
Article received on email
