If you are waiting for Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence) to be approved, you are not alone. Processing times can take anywhere from 12 to 48 months, leaving many applicants stuck in long delays. However, there is a way to potentially speed up the process—applying for U.S. citizenship while your I-751 is still pending.
Understanding the Delay in I-751 Processing
Conditional green cards are valid for only two years. To become a permanent resident, you must file Form I-751 before your conditional green card expires. Unfortunately, due to high caseloads and processing backlogs, many applicants experience years of waiting before USCIS makes a decision on their case.
During this waiting period, conditional residents remain in lawful status, but the delay can cause complications, such as difficulty traveling internationally, renewing a driver’s license, or proving work authorization.
How Filing for Naturalization Can Help
If you are eligible for U.S. citizenship, filing Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) while your I-751 is still pending may help speed up both processes.
1. You Do Not Have to Wait for I-751 Approval
If you have been a permanent resident for at least three years and are still married to your U.S. citizen spouse, you can apply for naturalization before USCIS approves your I-751.
This means you do not have to wait years for your green card approval before taking the next step toward citizenship.
2. USCIS May Process Both Forms at the Same Time
Once you apply for naturalization, USCIS often prioritizes your I-751 application and schedules your citizenship interview. Both applications are often reviewed at the same interview, and USCIS may approve them on the same day.
This can significantly reduce wait times, allowing you to move forward with your case faster than if you were only waiting for the I-751 decision.
3. Naturalization Cases Often Receive Faster Processing
USCIS places a higher priority on N-400 applications compared to I-751 petitions. Filing for naturalization may help bring your pending case to the agency’s attention, especially if it has been delayed for a long time.
Many applicants waiting for I-751 approval find that filing for citizenship moves their cases forward faster than waiting for USCIS.
Is This the Right Strategy for You?
Filing for naturalization while your I-751 is pending can be a good strategy for many applicants, but it is not the right choice for everyone. Before applying, consider the following:
- You must meet all naturalization eligibility requirements, including continuous residence, good moral character, and physical presence in the United States.
- If USCIS denies your I-751, it could also impact your naturalization application.
- Immigration laws can be complex, and mistakes can lead to further delays or denials.
For the best outcome, it is recommended that you consult an immigration attorney before filing Form N-400 to ensure that this approach is right for your situation.
Need Help with Your Green Card or Citizenship Application?
If you are waiting on I-751 approval and considering filing for naturalization, speaking with an experienced immigration lawyer can help you navigate the process. Contact an immigration attorney today to discuss your options.
Schedule a Consultation with an Immigration Lawyer
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JEREMY L. RICHARDS is the founding partner of Richards and Jurusik and has dedicated his career to U.S. immigration law, with a specialized focus on assisting Canadian and Mexican citizens under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to work and live in the United States. (Full Bio)
