Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence with Waiver
If you marry a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident (LPR) and apply right for a green card right after the marriage, you will receive a green card that expires in two years. In contrast, if you marry a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident (LPR) and apply for the green card two years after the marriage, you will receive a green card that expires in ten years. This 10-year green card can be renewed indefinitely for subsequent periods of ten years.
If you received a 2-year green card through marriage, you are considered a conditional U.S. resident. Your green card is conditioned upon your marriage. Your marriage has to last more than two years for you and your spouse to be able to remove the conditions together. You must apply to remove conditions before your green card expires. After your application is approved, you become a “permanent lawful resident” (LPR) and you receive a 10-year green card.
The law generally requires that you and your spouse file this petition together. If you do not petition the government to remove the conditions in due time, your green card and your time in the U.S. expire. You will no longer be authorized to stay in the U.S.