Applying for a green card can feel like a lot of steps, and the I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, is a big one. To make sure your application is as smooth as possible, a well-written cover letter is super important. This article will break down how to write a great I-751 Cover Letter Sample 2021, giving you tips and examples to help you out.
Why Your I-751 Cover Letter Matters
Think of your I-751 cover letter as your introduction to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It's your chance to briefly explain what you're sending and why it's important. A clear and organized cover letter helps the officer reviewing your case understand everything quickly. The goal is to make their job easier, which can speed up your case.
When you write your cover letter, you'll want to include a few key things:
- Your full name and address.
- Your Alien Registration Number (A-Number).
- The receipt number of your original green card application.
- A clear statement that you are filing Form I-751.
- A list of all the documents you are submitting with your petition.
Here's a quick look at what you should generally include:
| Section | What to Include |
|---|---|
| Your Information | Full Name, Address, Phone, Email |
| USCIS Information | Date, USCIS Lockbox Address |
| Subject Line | Clear statement of purpose (e.g., "I-751 Petition for Removal of Conditions") |
| Body | Brief introduction, list of enclosed documents, mention of any specific circumstances |
| Closing | Sincerely, Your Signature, Typed Name |
I-751 Cover Letter Sample for Joint Petition
Joint Petition Cover Letter Example
Date
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
ATTN: I-751
[Address of USCIS Lockbox where you are sending your application]
Subject: I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence - Joint Petition for [Your Full Name] and [Spouse's Full Name] - A-Number: [Your A-Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
Please accept this letter as an introduction to our enclosed Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence. We are jointly filing this petition because we are a married couple who received our conditional permanent resident status on [Date you received conditional green card] based on our marriage.
We have been married continuously since [Date of Marriage] and our marriage is bona fide. We have lived together and built our lives as a married couple in the United States. We are seeking to remove the conditions on our permanent residency as required.
Enclosed with this petition, please find the following documents:
- Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, completed and signed.
- A copy of our marriage certificate.
- Copies of our conditional permanent resident cards.
-
Evidence of our bona fide marriage, including:
- Joint bank statements from [Start Date] to present.
- Joint lease agreement for our residence at [Your Address].
- Copies of federal income tax returns for [Years].
- Affidavits from two friends or family members attesting to our marriage.
- Photographs of us together throughout our marriage.
- Filing fee in the amount of $[Amount].
We have provided all requested documentation and information to the best of our knowledge. We are grateful for your time and consideration of our petition. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
[Your Spouse's Signature]
[Your Spouse's Typed Name]
I-751 Cover Letter Sample for Waiver of Joint Filing
Date
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
ATTN: I-751
[Address of USCIS Lockbox where you are sending your application]
Subject: I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence - Waiver of Joint Filing for [Your Full Name] - A-Number: [Your A-Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
Please accept this letter as an introduction to my enclosed Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence. I am filing this petition as an individual, seeking a waiver of the joint filing requirement due to [briefly state reason, e.g., divorce, spousal abuse, extreme hardship]. My conditional permanent resident status was granted on [Date you received conditional green card] based on my marriage to [Spouse's Full Name].
I respectfully request that USCIS grant my waiver of the joint filing requirement because [explain your reason in more detail, e.g., my marriage to [Spouse's Full Name] has been legally terminated by divorce as of [Date of Divorce]; or my spouse subjected me to battery and extreme cruelty during our marriage]. I have included supporting documentation to substantiate my claim.
Enclosed with this petition, please find the following documents:
- Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, completed and signed.
- A copy of my conditional permanent resident card.
- Proof of the termination of my marriage (e.g., final divorce decree).
-
Evidence supporting my waiver request, including:
- [List specific evidence, e.g., police reports, restraining orders, medical records, affidavits from witnesses, counseling records]
- Filing fee in the amount of $[Amount].
I have provided all requested documentation and information to the best of my knowledge. I am hopeful for a favorable review of my petition and waiver request. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Cover Letter for I-751 if Marriage Ended in Divorce
Date
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
ATTN: I-751
[Address of USCIS Lockbox where you are sending your application]
Subject: I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence - Divorce - [Your Full Name] - A-Number: [Your A-Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
This letter accompanies my Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence. I am filing this petition as an individual because my marriage to [Spouse's Full Name] has been legally terminated by divorce. My conditional permanent resident status was granted on [Date you received conditional green card] based on this marriage.
The divorce was finalized on [Date of Divorce]. I am seeking to remove the conditions on my permanent residency as I continue to reside in the United States and wish to maintain my lawful status. I have included the necessary documentation to demonstrate that the marriage has ended and that I am not filing this petition to circumvent immigration laws.
Enclosed with this petition, please find the following documents:
- Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, completed and signed.
- A copy of my conditional permanent resident card.
- A certified copy of the final divorce decree issued by [Name of Court].
-
Evidence of the termination of our marriage, such as:
- Property settlement agreements (if applicable).
- Any court orders related to the divorce.
- Filing fee in the amount of $[Amount].
I have provided all requested documentation and information to the best of my knowledge. I appreciate your review of my petition and look forward to a positive outcome. Please contact me if further information is needed.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
I-751 Cover Letter Sample for Spousal Abuse Waiver
Date
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
ATTN: I-751
[Address of USCIS Lockbox where you are sending your application]
Subject: I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence - Spousal Abuse Waiver - [Your Full Name] - A-Number: [Your A-Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
This letter serves as an introduction to my enclosed Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence. I am filing this petition as an individual and am requesting a waiver of the joint filing requirement due to the battery and extreme cruelty I endured from my conditional permanent resident spouse, [Spouse's Full Name]. My conditional permanent resident status was granted on [Date you received conditional green card] based on our marriage.
The abuse I experienced has made it impossible for me to jointly file this petition. I have included substantial evidence to demonstrate the nature and severity of the abuse, which has caused me significant physical and emotional distress. I am seeking to remove the conditions on my residency independently to ensure my safety and well-being.
Enclosed with this petition, please find the following documents:
- Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, completed and signed.
- A copy of my conditional permanent resident card.
-
Evidence of the abuse, including but not limited to:
- Police reports and/or arrest records related to domestic violence incidents.
- Court orders, such as restraining orders or protective orders.
- Medical records documenting injuries sustained as a result of the abuse.
- Photographs of injuries.
- Affidavits from credible witnesses (e.g., friends, family, counselors, law enforcement) who can attest to the abuse.
- Statements from therapists or counselors detailing the emotional impact of the abuse.
- Filing fee in the amount of $[Amount].
I have provided all requested documentation and information to the best of my knowledge. I am deeply grateful for your understanding and careful consideration of my petition and waiver request. Please contact me if you require any additional information or clarification.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Cover Letter for I-751 - Extreme Hardship Waiver
Date
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
ATTN: I-751
[Address of USCIS Lockbox where you are sending your application]
Subject: I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence - Extreme Hardship Waiver - [Your Full Name] - A-Number: [Your A-Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
This letter accompanies my Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence. I am filing this petition as an individual and am requesting a waiver of the joint filing requirement due to extreme hardship I would face if forced to return to my country of origin, or if I were to depart the United States and attempt to re-enter. My conditional permanent resident status was granted on [Date you received conditional green card] based on my marriage to [Spouse's Full Name].
While my marriage has ended, I am seeking to remove the conditions on my residency independently due to the extreme hardship I would experience. This hardship is primarily due to [explain the nature of the hardship. Examples: severe medical conditions requiring ongoing treatment in the U.S., sole responsibility for U.S. citizen children who cannot relocate, persecution or danger in my home country, significant economic hardship that would prevent me from establishing myself there]. I have provided extensive documentation to support my claim of extreme hardship.
Enclosed with this petition, please find the following documents:
- Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, completed and signed.
- A copy of my conditional permanent resident card.
-
Evidence of extreme hardship, including:
- Medical records, doctor's letters, and treatment plans for myself or dependents.
- Birth certificates and school records of U.S. citizen children.
- Evidence of any persecution or danger in my home country (e.g., news articles, government advisories, affidavits).
- Proof of economic hardship, such as evidence of inability to find employment in home country, lack of financial support systems, etc.
- Affidavits from individuals who can attest to the hardship I would face.
- Filing fee in the amount of $[Amount].
I have provided all requested documentation and information to the best of my knowledge. I sincerely hope for a favorable review of my petition and waiver request based on the extreme hardship I would face. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any additional information.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
I-751 Cover Letter Sample - If Spouse is Deceased
Date
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
ATTN: I-751
[Address of USCIS Lockbox where you are sending your application]
Subject: I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence - Spouse Deceased - [Your Full Name] - A-Number: [Your A-Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
Please accept this letter as an introduction to my enclosed Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence. I am filing this petition as an individual because my conditional permanent resident spouse, [Spouse's Full Name], has passed away. My conditional permanent resident status was granted on [Date you received conditional green card] based on our marriage.
My beloved spouse, [Spouse's Full Name], passed away on [Date of Death]. I am heartbroken by this loss but wish to continue residing in the United States and maintaining my lawful permanent resident status. I have included documentation to show that the marriage was bona fide at the time of my spouse's passing and that I am not filing this petition to circumvent immigration laws.
Enclosed with this petition, please find the following documents:
- Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, completed and signed.
- A copy of my conditional permanent resident card.
- A copy of the death certificate for [Spouse's Full Name].
-
Evidence of the bona fide nature of our marriage prior to my spouse's passing, such as:
- Joint bank statements.
- Joint lease agreements.
- Copies of federal income tax returns filed during the marriage.
- Photographs of us together during our marriage.
- Filing fee in the amount of $[Amount].
I have provided all requested documentation and information to the best of my knowledge. I am deeply saddened by my loss and appreciate your understanding and consideration of my petition. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
I-751 Cover Letter Sample - Minor Child Filing
Date
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
ATTN: I-751
[Address of USCIS Lockbox where you are sending your application]
Subject: I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence - Minor Child Filing - [Child's Full Name] - A-Number: [Child's A-Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
This letter accompanies Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, filed on behalf of my minor child, [Child's Full Name]. The child received conditional permanent resident status on [Date child received conditional green card] based on their marriage to [Parent's Full Name] or through [Parent's Full Name] if child is filing independently. The child is currently [Child's Age] years old.
I am filing this petition on behalf of my child because [explain the reason for the child filing independently, e.g., the child's parents are divorced and the child resides primarily with me, or the child's parents are deceased]. We are seeking to remove the conditions on the child's permanent residency as required. We have included documentation to demonstrate the child's lawful status and eligibility for removal of conditions.
Enclosed with this petition, please find the following documents:
- Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, completed and signed by the child's legal guardian.
- A copy of the child's conditional permanent resident card.
- A copy of the child's birth certificate.
- If applicable, a copy of the legal guardianship order or proof of parental custody.
- Evidence of the bona fide nature of the qualifying marriage at the time the child's conditional residency was granted (if applicable and if parents are still together).
- Filing fee in the amount of $[Amount].
We have provided all requested documentation and information to the best of our knowledge. We appreciate your review of this petition and ask for your favorable consideration. Please do not hesitate to contact us if any further information is needed.
Sincerely,
[Legal Guardian's Signature]
[Legal Guardian's Typed Name]
(Relationship to Child: [e.g., Mother, Father, Legal Guardian])
Writing a cover letter for your I-751 petition might seem like just another piece of paper, but it's a really useful tool. By clearly stating what you're sending and providing a well-organized list of your documents, you're making a good impression and helping USCIS process your case efficiently. Remember to always tailor your letter to your specific situation and include all the necessary proof. Good luck!