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Sample Cover Letter – I-751 Joint Petition to Remove Conditions on Permanent Residence

USCIS P.O. BOX 21200 Phoenix, AZ 85036

July 27, 2019

Re: I-751 joint petition to remove conditions of status on:

Manisha Devi Agrawal: A 123-456-7890 Jay Agrawal: A 123-456-7891

Dear Sir or Madam:

Enclosed you will find a JOINT Form I-751, Petition for Removal of Conditions of Permanent Resident Status, for my wife, Manisha Devi Agrawal, and her son, Jay Agrawal. My wife and her son entered the U.S. on an immediate relatives immigrant visa.

I am enclosing the following:

• Application fee – $595
• Copy of USCIS Form I-551 (Permanent Resident Card)
• 2 photographs

[REPLACE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS WITH YOUR UNIQUE ONES]

• Copy of our joint U.S. tax return for the year 2018
• Copy of a recent statement from our stock broker at Merrill Lynch
• Copy of the tax statement for 2018 that we received for our joint checking account at Bank of America
• Copy of the title of our car, showing joint ownership
• Copy of our credit cards (MasterCard) showing a joint account
• Copy of our health insurance cards showing a joint policy
• Copy of our Costco Club cards on a joint account
• Copy of our airline reservations for a vacation that we have planned in January 2020

We are all happily living together and request that this petition be accepted for removal of conditions on the residence of my wife, Manisha Devi Agrawal, and her son, Jay Agrawal.

Copies of documents submitted are exact photocopies of unaltered documents, and I agree to submit original documents to an Immigration or Consular officer at a later date, if required. You are always welcome to visit our home should you ever desire to do so.

Yours truly,

<petitioner’s signature>

Rahul Ram Gupta

New Immigrants Insurance

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How to Write an I-751 Cover Letter - Sample & Tips

An I-751 is a petition to remove the conditions on their residence that are usually placed there due to an individual's marriage to a United States citizen. The petitioner is noted as a conditional resident by virtue of this marriage.

Included with the rest of the I-751 documents, you may wish to place a cover letter for I-751 petitioning. In this article, we'll include a sample cover letter for I-751, removal of conditions petitioning, as well as a few tips on structure and what to include in the cover letter .

• # I-751 Cover Letter Sample
• # I-751 Cover Letter Structure
• # Tips for Writing I-751 Cover Letter
• # How to Edit I-751 Cover Letter Template

Free I-751 Cover Letter Template

This is a free cover letter template for i-751 removal of conditions. Free Download and customize it according to the sample text below.

Supported formats

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I-751 Cover Letter Sample (Text)

Below you'll find an easy-to-edit template sample of an I-751 cover letter that would be written by one spouse (the petitioner) on behalf of their spouse and child.

Month Day, Year (Insert USCIS centre address where you're filling the petition) Re: Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence for: (Name of immigrant K-1 visa spouse), (Alien registration number) (Name of immigrant K-2 visa child), (Alien registration number)

Dear USCIS Officer,

I am writing to inform you of the attached joint I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence for my immigrant wife, (insert full name of wife), and our daughter, (insert full name of child). My wife came to the United States on a K-1 visa, and our daughter on a K-2 visa. We married shortly after her arrival, as we had been unable to do so previously, and have remained living together happily as a family with our daughter. We very respectfully request that this I-751 petition be accepted to remove the conditions of residence for (full name of wife) and (full name of child).

Enclosed is a completed I-751 petition form, along with several other documents listed here:

• A check for (fee amount in USD).
• Copies of the permanent resident cards for (insert wife's full name) and (insert child's full name).
• A copy of our marriage certificate.
• A copy of our joint occupancy rental agreement for the residence my wife (insert wife's full name) and I reside in with our daughter, (insert child's full name).
• A copy of our child's birth certificate.
• Copies of our tax statements for the last 3 years （insert year range in brackets）.
• Copies of recent bank statements from our joint checking and savings accounts.
• A letter from my life insurance company, （insert company's name）, showing that the designated beneficiaries are my wife and child.
• A copy of the joint ownership title to our car.
• A copy of our most recent join account credit card statement.
• Three sworn affidavits by close friends of United States citizenship, attesting to our happy relationship and marriage.
• Family photographs from several occasions over the last 3 years, including （list occasions and dates） We respectfully request that the interview usually required for the I-751 petition be waived under consideration of the evidence enclosed and in accordance to 8 CFR §216.4(b)(1).

Thank you for your consideration.

Yours sincerely, （sign your name） （print your full name）

Structure of an I-751 cover letter

The structure of an I-751 cover letter should go a little like this:

• Date ("Month Day, Year").
• United States Citizenship and Immigration Services centre filling address.
• Subject line ("Re: Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence for:"), note full name of immigrant K-1 spouse and full name of K-2 child.
• Salutation ("Dear USCIS Officer,").
• Explanation of why you're writing to the USCIS, including the full names of your spouse and child(ren).
• Note which documents are included in the document package with the I-751 petition.
• Request that the interview be waived if applicably possible.
• Thank the USCIS Officer for their time.
• Closing salutation.
• Print your full name.

Tips for Writing I-751 Cover Letter

In case you're still feeling a little lost while writing your Form I-751 cover letter, here are a few useful tips:

• If you aren't filing with a child, you don't need to mention your children.
• Remain respectful throughout the I-751 cover letter.
• Include brief details that show a good relationship between you and your immigrant spouse.
• Include photographs as evidence.
• Remember to include the alien registration number if your spouse (and child, if applicable) has one. Not everyone has an alien registration number.
• Make sure your marriage looks as legitimate as possible.
• Always sign and date your I-751 cover letter.
• When mentioning a person, note their full name as shown on their birth certificate or any marriage documents.

It's vital that a Form I-751 cover letter is properly written to show USCIS officers that you are in a committed relationship with your spouse. With our easy-to-edit template sample cover letter for I-751, Removal of Conditions petition, you should be well on your way to finishing the document packet and being able to file your I-751 with no issues.

How to Edit I-751 Cover Letter Template

It is easy to edit the PDF cover letter templates in this page with Wondershare PDFelement - PDF Editor , a professional and easy-to-use PDF editor. You can change the texts, images, form fields, font size and color in the templates with this tool. You can also create a new cover letter with it. The following are the key features of it.

Step 1. Open the I-751 Cover Letter Template

Step 2. Click on "Edit" and Enter Your Text as You Like

Step 3. Complete and Save Your I-751 Cover Letter

Posted by Elise Williams to Updated: 2023-07-31 16:53:51

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• Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

Sample Cover for I-751 Package

By BostonChick January 8, 2007 in Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

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10 posts in this topic

Recommended posts, bostonchick   0.

Hello everyone,

I thought I'd contribute to the board by posting a sample cover letter. I have always used a cover letter when submitting a bunch of documents and have found that the recipient usually appreciates the effort. Obviously, you may think it doesn't add value to the application, but for those that do - here you go.

[sender's address here]

USCIS Vermont Service Center

75 Lower Welden Street

St. Albans, VT 05479-0001

January 5, 2007

Re: Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence

Dear Sir (Madam),

Attached please find my petition to remove conditions on residence consisting of the following documentation:

• Form I-751

• Money order ($205)

• Two (2) passport photos

• Copy of green card

• Copy of passport

Additionally, please find enclosed the following documents as evidence of the relationship with my husband, [insert name]

• Joint checking account evidence

Bank letter

Bank statements (Month 1, Month 2)

• Joint savings account evidence

• Joint tax filing status evidence

Official tax transcripts for Year 1 and Year 2

• Joint benefits evidence

401(k) plan beneficiary forms

Health insurance forms

• Joint residence evidence

Lease agreement

• Address change information

• Family photos

Please do not hesitate to contact me, should you need any further evidence. I hope you will consider my petition favorably.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Adjustment of Status (AOS)

Office: MSC

District: Boston, MA

June 2004: Got married!

Aug 2004: Dropped off AOS/EAD/AP package

Nov 2004: Received AP and EAD

March 30, 2005: AOS INTERVIEW

Conditional Permanent Resident since 3/30/05

Removal of Conditions

Vermont Service Center

Dec 30, 2006: Window for filing I-751 opens

Jan 12, 2006: Sent I-751 package Priority Certified Mail to Vermont Service Center

Jan 16, 2007: I-751 package arrives in Vermont

Jan 19, 2007: $275 check cashed

Feb 20, 2007: Biometrics appointment '

Jul 11, 2007: Permanent residence approved!

THE COUNTDOWN FOR US CITIZENSHIP HAS BEGUN!

Service Center: VERMONT (VSC)

Local Office: Boston

Jan 3, 2008: Window for filing N-400 opens

Jan - May: Document collection

May 6, 2008: Mailed N-400 Application package, regular mail with delivery confirmation

May 8, 2008: Your item was delivered at 1:55 PM on May 8, 2008 in SAINT ALBANS, VT 05479

May 16, 2008: $300 Check cashed

May 21, 2008: NOA1 date (received on May 28 in the mail)

May 23, 2008: NOA2 date (fingerprinting)

June 6, 2008: Biometrics appt in Boston

July 3, 2008: Interview letter received

Aug 27, 2008: INTERVIEW APPT!!!!!!!!

I cannot wait!!!

www.newcitizen.us/dual.html

Link to comment

Share on other sites, basanti   0.

I pretty much copied the sample that was in the filing guide, but here's mine if anyone wants to see...i think this is a good idea to post them in case someone would like to see a sample:

January 8, 2007

USCIS Texas Service Center

P.O. Box 850965

Mesquite, TX 75185-0965

RE: I-751 JOINT PETITION TO REMOVE CONDITIONS OF STATUS ON:

(husband's name and A#)

Dear USCIS Examiner:

Enclosed please find a Joint I-751 petition for removal of conditions of permanent resident status regarding my husband, (husband's name). Please also find a check for $275.00, the fee for this form. We have been happily living together and request that this petition be accepted for removal of conditions on the residence of my husband.

Enclosed also please find the following documents to verify the status of our marriage and ongoing relationship:

· Copy of passport and visa

· Copy of green card (front and back)

· Copy of I-797C, Notice of Action

· Copy of Marriage License

· Summary of Insurance Benefits and Insurance cards showing joint policy

· Original letters written by friends attesting to our relationship and marriage

· Copies of envelopes/card addressed to both of us

· Copies of bank statements showing joint account ownership

· Copy of visa credit cards showing a joint account

· Copies of Federal and State Tax Returns filed jointly for 2005

Please feel free to contact any of the sources of enclosed documentation for validity. Please advise me if you have any further questions or concerns related to this petition.

Ok..here's my timeline of sorts:

October 15, 2004: went to India

October 17, 2004: got engaged

October 23, 2004: got married!!!!

Dec. 22, 2004: went to U.S. Embassy, New Delhi-told to come back 9am the next morning

Dec. 23, 2004: filed I-130 at Delhi embassy

Jan 12, 2005: I came back to the U.S. :-(

Jan. 13, 2005: my husband went to Mumbai embassy personally to get packet 3

Jan. 15, 2005: sent out forms from packet 3

around the 2nd week of Feb: received interview date!!!! MARCH 18!!!!!

Feb. 16, 2005: sent out I-864 and other ppwk to my husband via DHL

Feb 20, 2005:[/ color] husband received DHL pkg

end of Feb/beginning of March: went for medical

March 18, 2005 @ 7:30am: INTERVIEW!!!!!!!!!! Got Visa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

March 27, 2005: my husband comes to the U.S.!!!!!!

April 9, 2005: Husband received his greencard!

April 20, 2005: Went to Social Security office to change my name and also applied for my husband's SS card since it hadn't arrived yet

April 29, 2005: Recieved both Social Security Cards!

Velvettt   0

New rules, folks. You don't send pictures.

Velvettt, can you clarify the new rule, please? I wasn't aware. To the previous poster - thanks for sharing your letter. There are a couple of some really good points in it.

Boston Chick

ilovecookies   0

thanks guys for posting this

Lord blessed be Your name!

NOA 1 - March 31 2004

NOA 2 - July 7

to Manila - July 30

called embassy for interview date - Aug 17

Recvd K packet - Aug 24

CFO - Sept 7

Medical - Sept 15 & 16

Interview - Oct 8

Visa on hand - Oct 13 YES! thank You God!

POE - October 23

AOS & EAD:

Marriage at the beautiful St. Croix U.S. Virgin Islands - Nov 6

SSN - Nov 29

State ID - Dec 1

AOS & EAD applied for - Dec. 6

NOAs for AOS & EAD - recvd mail on Dec 15 but receipt date is Dec 8

got TD shot for AOS - Dec. 15 paid $15

passd written exam for DL- Jan 03 2005

Biometrics for EAD & AOS - Jan 10

Biometrics AGAIN (???) - Feb 2

EAD recved - Jan 29

recved AOS interview letter - march 2

AOS interview - april 27 SUCCESS!! Thank You so much God! You never fail.

welcome to America letter - may 2

recvd "green" card - may 5 2005

got driver's license - may 20

removing conditions:

lifting of conditions on GC - jan 31 2007

NOA date - february 06

recvd NOA - february 26

recvd biometrics apptmnt letter - march 2

biometrics appt - march 12

citizenship:

sent N-400: february 25, 2008

recved: february 27

priority date: february 27

notice date: march 4

recved NOA1: march 6

recved biometrics letter: march 10

biometrics: march 19

intrvw letter rec'd: april 3

intrvw: may 13 - APPROVED!

Oath - Sept. 17

US Passport - Sept 26

Go to the USCIS website and download the I-751 form. It's the newest one, dated 8/06, and in the 4 page instructions, it tells you that pictures are now done by THEM at the same time as your fingerprinting.

• 8 years later...

EminTX   131

Here I am in 2015 looking up sample cover letters to use in proofing the one we have written and this thread was near the top of the list when searching for "751 cover letter".

For anyone who might be new to this or, like myself, come across this old thead, there is no requirement that you send no photos. A photograph of the petitioner will be taken at the biometrics interview. This does nothing to prove a relationship. If you want to send a vacation photo of your family in front of the Alamo, it could only further verify the validity of the reciept showing that you had 3 people in your room at the hotel located across the street from the land mark location. (a personal example)

The price has certainly changed and the address is also different.

I am guessing that this was the first one I opened because this was such a well written cover letter example.

Thank you again to everyone who has traveled this road before us and taken the time to share their experiences and information.

Perú's K-1 embassy packet can be viewed in our photos . Travel Tips for Perú (& South America) Our Immigration Experience Seat Guru Flight seating! Airport Processing Times - http://awt.cbp.gov/ POE-Houston? Pictures and info. .... POE-Houston (other languages) ....

Oh yeah--I meant to add:

On the lower back of each page submitted, we included my husbands name and the number from his greencard.

I have worked in a bureaucratic machine for many years and it is a NIGHTMARE putting things back together when you drop a folder that explodes all over the floor. It is the worst nightmare when it is a group of folders....

I don't see how this can hurt but it might be helpful if one of our documents flies off a desk or whatever and needs to get back to where it belongs.

(To do it, we simply typed it in a document to print and loaded the printer to get them all at once and re-ran them through the printer. )

Also, I posted a thread years ago when I bought a new printer for this process--we got the HP Photosmart. We are still loving it and it is still producing super-sharp documents. The inks are reasonably priced and I'd happily buy from the same model-family again.

Ms Hogan   295

This thread should probably just be closed since the samples are outdated and not accurate anymore.

USCIS - 40 DAYS 2012-10-30: FedEx delivered I-130 to Chicago Lockbox Mail Room 2012-11-01: NOA1 by email - MSC 2012-11-02: $420 (x3) debited from our account 2012-11-05: NOA1 hard copies received, Priority Date 2012-10-30 2012-12-11: NOA2 NVC - 26 DAYS 2013-01-02: Rec'd case#, IIN, BIN & OPTIN emails for EP sent 2013-01-03: Submitted DS-261 (x3) 2013-01-07: AOS bills invoiced and paid & OPTIN for EP accepted for each of us 2013-01-08: AOS bills appear as paid & AOS packages sent by email 2013-01-08: IV bill invoiced & paid (kids' only) 2013-01-09: IV bill appears as paid (kids' only) 2013-01-09: IV Package emailed & DS-260 submitted online (kids only) 2013-01-11: AOS received -notified by email 2013-01-11: IV bill invoiced & paid (for me) 2013-01-14: IV bill appears as paid (for me) 2013-01-14: IV Supporting Docs received for kids - notified by email 2013-01-14: IV Package emailed & DS-260 submitted online (me only) 2013-01-18: IV Supporting Docs received for me - notified by email 2013-01-18: Son#1 CASE COMPLETE - Son#2 checklist - saying $ on I-864 don't match tax return (but they do)-resubmitted 2013-01-23: AOS 2nd submission for Son #2 received - notified by email 2013-01-25: My CASE COMPLETE 2013-01-28: ALL 3 OF OUR CASES ARE NOW COMPLETE 2013-02-06: Packet 4 Received by email

MEDICAL ~ CONSULATE ~ POE REMOVAL OF CONDITIONS - 160 DAYS NATURALIZATION 2013-02-13: Medicals 2014-12-17: Delivered to California Lockbox 2015-12-15: Delivered to Phoenix Lockbox 2013-03-06: Interview 2014-12-1 9: 1 I-751 + 3 Biometrics Fees debited from our account 2015-12-16: Fees charged to Credit Card 2013-03-08: Visas in-hand 2014-12- 22: Received NOA1 by mail. Receipt Date: 2014-12-17 2015-12-17: NOA 2013-03-12: Paid USCIS Immigrant Fee 2014-12-2 4: Received Biometrics Appointment Letter 2016-01-02: Biometrics Letter 2016-01-11: Biometrics 2013-03-14: POE 2015-01-06: Biometrics 2016-02-15: In Line for Interview 2016-02-19: Letter 2013-03-25: SSNs arrived 2015-05-27: Approved 2016-03-22: Interview 2013-04-01: Green Cards arrived 2015-06-03: New Green Cards arrived 2016-04-15: Oath Ceremony

Ryan H   3,739

** Old thread closed to additional comments. **

Our journey:

September 2007: Met online via social networking site (MySpace); began exchanging messages. March 26, 2009: We become a couple! September 10, 2009: Arrived for first meeting in-person! June 17, 2010: Arrived for second in-person meeting and start of travel together to other areas of China! June 21, 2010: Engaged!!! September 1, 2010: Switched course from K1 to CR-1 December 8, 2010: Wedding date set; it will be on February 18, 2011! February 9, 2011: Depart for China February 11, 2011: Registered for marriage in Wuhan, officially married!!! February 18, 2011: Wedding ceremony in Shiyan!!! April 22, 2011: Mailed I-130 to Chicago April 28, 2011: Received NOA1 via text/email, file routed to CSC (priority date April 25th) April 29, 2011: Updated May 3, 2011: Received NOA1 hardcopy in mail July 26, 2011: Received NOA2 via text/email!!! July 30, 2011: Received NOA2 hardcopy in mail August 8, 2011: NVC received file September 1, 2011: NVC case number assigned September 2, 2011: AOS invoice received, OPTIN email for EP sent September 7, 2011: Paid AOS bill (payment portal showed PAID on September 9, 2011) September 8, 2011: OPTIN email accepted, GZO number assigned September 10, 2011: Emailed AOS package September 12, 2011: IV bill invoiced September 13, 2011: Paid IV bill (payment portal showed PAID on September 14, 2011) September 14, 2011: Emailed IV package October 3, 2011: Emailed checklist response (checklist generated due to typo on Form DS-230) October 6, 2011: Case complete at NVC November 10, 2011: Interview - APPROVED!!! December 7, 2011: POE - Sea-Tac Airport

September 17, 2013: Mailed I-751 to CSC

September 23, 2013: Received NOA1 in mail (receipt date September 19th)

October 16, 2013: Biometrics Appointment

January 28, 2014: Production of new Green Card ordered

February 3, 2014: New Green Card received; done with USCIS until fall of 2023*

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Home » Blog » Prove a Good Faith Marriage When Filing I-751

Prove a Good Faith Marriage When Filing I-751

August 2, 2022 Replace/Renew Green Card

If you or your spouse recently became a conditional permanent resident through marriage, now is the time to begin documenting your life together. Don’t wait until it is time to file Form I-751 to prove you have a good faith marriage.

In the 90-day period that precedes the expiration of a two-year conditional green card, the conditional resident (and spouse when filing jointly) must file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence . In addition to the form, the couple should submit evidence that supports the bona fides of the marriage. In other words, they must prove that it is a genuine, good faith marriage.

Even if you are filing with a waiver for the joint filing requirement (rather than jointly with your spouse), you will need to prove that your marriage was entered in good faither and not created to circumvent immigration laws.

Good Faith Marriage Explained

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) wants to make sure a marriage was entered for love, not for the sole purpose of obtaining a green card. A good faith marriage is one that is built on love and is entered with the intention of building a life together. USCIS can’t know what happens inside the privacy of your home. Therefore, USCIS will try to interpret the true intention of the marriage when reviewing your Form I-751 petition and supporting documentation.

A fraudulent or sham marriage, on the other hand, is when at least one of the parties of a marriage entered into the marriage for the purpose of circumventing immigration laws to falsely acquire immigration benefits.

Why Proving a Good Faith Marriage is Important

The burden of proving a bona fide, good faith marriage is on the petitioners. As the petitioners, it’s up to you to submit evidence of your mutual intent to establish a life together at the time of the marriage. There are severe consequences if USCIS determines that the marriage was entered into for the purposes of circumventing immigration laws. A finding of fraud will most likely bar the approval of subsequent petitions and have un-waivable immigration consequences far into the future.

Red Flags There Isn’t a Good Faith Marriage

According to the Adjudicators Field Manual (AFM), Section 21.3 , a guide used by USCIS officers to make determinations on immigration cases, there are several factors that could flag a case for possible marriage fraud. Some of these factors include:

• Large disparity of age;
• Inability of petitioner and beneficiary to speak each other’s language;
• Vast difference in cultural and ethnic background;
• Family and/or friends unaware of the marriage;
• Marriage arranged by a third party;
• Marriage contracted immediately following the beneficiary’s apprehension or receipt of notification to depart the United States;
• Discrepancies in statements on questions for which a husband and wife should have common knowledge;
• No cohabitation since marriage (although there can be valid reasons);
• Beneficiary is a friend of the family;
• Petitioner has filed previous petitions in behalf of aliens, especially prior alien spouses.

The existence of one of the above conditions is not a reason to deny Form I-751. It is simply an indicator for the USCIS officer to probe further. In other words, the officer will likely ask more questions. For example, it is not typical for a couple to have a 30-year age difference and not speak the same language. It is reasonable for the immigration officer to ask more questions about how this couple met and what keeps them together.

Documents to Prove Good Faith Marriage

A marriage certificate proves the legality of a marriage, but it doesn’t prove that the marriage is genuine for the purposes of starting a life together. USCIS wants to confirm that the marriage was entered in “good faith” and was not for the purpose of circumventing immigration laws. When filing Form I-751, you will also be asked to submit copies of as many documents as you can to establish this fact and to demonstrate the circumstances of the relationship from the date of marriage to the present date. The documents can include but are not be limited to the following examples:

Engagement & Wedding There are opportunities to document your relationship as early as the engagement. If you had a newspaper announcement for your engagement, include a copy. You may also document any of your wedding-related expenses. Examples of vendor receipts may include: reception hall (or restaurant), clergyman, caterers, florist, photographer/videographer, tuxedo rental, or the band/DJ. The receipt should name the couple being married. You might also include a copy of the wedding invitation.

• Child(ren) Born to the Marriage Submit photocopies of birth certificates for any children born to the marriage. Having children is not a requirement for having a valid marriage, but it is good evidence that a couple has started a life together and has intentions of staying together.

If you lease a home (or other property) together, the central document to include is the lease agreement. Prepare copies of the lease agreement that shows the names of both the conditional permanent resident and the spouse.

Even if you do not own property together, it is helpful to demonstrate that the home is jointly occupied. The lease agreement may hold one person financially responsible but indicate both individuals as tenants.

Other relevant documents to demonstrate that you are living together may include: utility bills (gas, electric, telephone, water, cable TV, internet, etc.), homeowner association (HOA) bills and repair records.

• Financial records Any documents showing that you have purchased things together (e.g., car, appliances, furniture, etc.), taken out a loan together or share equity in an account is useful. Examples may include: joint savings and checking accounts with transaction history, joint credit card statements, joint Federal and State tax returns, title of car showing joint ownership and other joint loans.
• Insurance If you have (or had) joint insurance policies that show the other spouse as the beneficiary, provide the copies of these records. All types of insurance are applicable: health, dental, disability, auto, life, home, and renter’s insurance. Examples may include the account opening records (e.g., application, quote, and enrollment form), policy, and bills/account statements. If you have many statements for the same policy/account, take a sampling of about 10 records that cover the longest period possible. (For example, use the first statement that husband/wife are named together and include the most recent.)

Travel Records If you have traveled together as a couple, provide evidence with travel records. Travel records are helpful to demonstrate that you vacation together and are especially useful if you traveled to the other spouse’s home to meet and spend time with family. Examples of travel records may include: airplane, train, rental car, or bus tickets, reservations, and boarding passes; hotel reservations and bills; and passports.

• Affidavits from Friends Affidavits help to support other types of evidence listed above. You may supply affidavits sworn to or affirmed by people who have known both of you since your conditional residence was granted and have personal knowledge of your marriage and relationship. (Such persons may be required to testify before an immigration officer as to the information contained in the affidavit.) The original affidavit must be submitted and also contain the following information regarding the person making the affidavit: his or her full name and address; date and place of birth; relationship to you or your spouse; and details explaining how the person acquired his or her knowledge. For more information, read How to Write an I-751 Affidavit Letter of Support .
• Photographs You may submit 10-20 photographs of the married couple together. Examples could include wedding photos, traveling, special events with family and friends, etc. (You should also hand write the place, names and dates on the back of photos.) Remember, the photos become more compelling evidence if they establish that you spend your lives together by attending family functions and socializing with community (e.g. religious, friends, schools, etc.).

Social Media Even social media can help you document your good faith marriage. After all, social media includes snippets of your life together, particular major life events. Demonstrating the couple’s participation in events together and interaction with a community of friends and family is especially helpful in establishing your good faith marriage. Examples may include: screen shots of Facebook pages, posts or messages from WhatsApp, Twitter and Instagram.

All of the evidence above is made more effective if it starts when the couple met and documents up to the present time. However, it’s most important to document the period since a green card was issued. But don’t limit yourself to the above documents. Include any other documents that you consider relevant to establish that your marriage was not entered for the purpose of evading U.S. immigration laws. When collecting your own documents, think about the activities and obligations that a typical married couple will experience. If you can provide evidence of these life events experienced together, you help to build your case of a good faith marriage.

RECOMMENDED: 33 Great Documents for Proving a Bona Fide Marriage on an I-751 Petition

Prepare Form I-751 to Remove Conditions on Residence

As you can see, proving a good faith marriage starts well before you are required to file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence . Once the conditional permanent resident is within 90 days of the green card expiring, he or she must file Form I-751. (If filing with a hardship waiver, there is more flexibility as to when Form I-751 should be filed.) Once approved, this petition will provide the foreign national with a 10-year permanent resident card (green card).

The average person does not require the expertise of an immigration attorney when filing to remove the conditions on a green card. However, anybody with a criminal history and/or immigration violations, should consult with an attorney before filing the Form I-751 petition. Likewise, anyone that will not be filing Form I-751 jointly with the spouse should also utilize an attorney for the best results.

About CitizenPath

CitizenPath provides simple, affordable, step-by-step guidance through USCIS immigration applications. Individuals, attorneys and non-profits use the service on desktop or mobile device to prepare immigration forms accurately, avoiding costly delays. CitizenPath allows users to try the service for free and provides a 100% money-back guarantee that USCIS will approve the application or petition. We provide support for the Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence (Form I-751) , Green Card Renewal (Form I-90) , the Citizenship Application (Form N-400) , and several other USCIS forms .

Note to Reader: This post was originally published on December 22, 2015, and has been modified with improvements.

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