Navigating the process of applying to remove conditions on your Green Card can feel like a maze, and one of the crucial pieces of that puzzle is a well-crafted I-751 cover letter. Think of this letter as your first impression to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It's your chance to introduce yourself, clearly state the purpose of your submission, and briefly highlight the key evidence you're providing. This article will guide you through understanding what makes a great I-751 Cover Letter Sample, so you can approach your application with confidence.
What's the Big Deal About an I-751 Cover Letter Sample?
So, why is this letter so important? The I-751 form itself is what you're submitting to USCIS, but the cover letter is the accompanying document that acts as a roadmap for the officer reviewing your case. It’s not just a formality; it helps ensure your application is organized, easy to understand, and that you haven't missed any crucial elements . Without a clear cover letter, your application might be delayed or even denied because the reviewing officer can't easily find or understand your supporting documents.
A good cover letter should be concise and to the point. It typically includes:
- Your name and A-Number.
- The date.
- USCIS's address.
- A clear statement of why you are writing (e.g., "Application to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status").
- A brief mention of your marriage and how long you've been married.
- A list of the documents you are submitting.
Here's a quick look at what goes into a basic cover letter:
| Section | What to Include |
|---|---|
| Header | Your contact info, date, USCIS address |
| Subject Line | Clearly state the form and purpose |
| Salutation | Formal greeting (e.g., "Dear USCIS Officer") |
| Body | Brief introduction, purpose, and list of documents |
| Closing | Formal closing (e.g., "Sincerely") |
I-751 Cover Letter Sample: Joint Petition with Spouse
[Your Full Name]
[Your A-Number]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
P.O. Box [Specific USCIS Lockbox Address for I-751]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status - Joint Petition of [Your Full Name] and [Spouse's Full Name]
Dear USCIS Officer,
Please accept this submission as our joint petition to remove the conditions on permanent resident status for [Your Full Name], A-Number: [Your A-Number]. We are filing this petition based on our bona fide marriage, which has been ongoing since [Date of Marriage].
We have been married for [Number] years and have continuously resided together as a married couple. We are submitting this petition together to demonstrate the continued existence and legitimacy of our marriage.
Enclosed please find the following documents in support of our petition:
- Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status
- Copy of [Your] Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551)
- Copy of [Spouse's] Birth Certificate
- Copies of Marriage Certificate
- [List of additional bona fide evidence, e.g., joint tax returns, lease agreements, joint bank statements, birth certificates of children born to the marriage, affidavits from friends/family]
We have provided extensive evidence of our genuine marital relationship. We kindly request that our petition be approved.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
[Spouse's Signature]
[Spouse's Typed Full Name]
I-751 Cover Letter Sample: Waiver of Joint Filing Requirement (Abuse/Battered Spouse)
[Your Full Name]
[Your A-Number]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
P.O. Box [Specific USCIS Lockbox Address for I-751]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status - Waiver of Joint Filing Requirement of [Your Full Name]
Dear USCIS Officer,
Please accept this submission as my petition to remove the conditions on my permanent resident status, [Your Full Name], A-Number: [Your A-Number]. I am requesting a waiver of the joint filing requirement due to extreme cruelty and battery inflicted upon me by my U.S. citizen/lawful permanent resident spouse, [Spouse's Full Name].
I was granted conditional permanent resident status on [Date] based on my marriage to [Spouse's Full Name]. Unfortunately, our marriage has been marred by [briefly describe the abuse without excessive detail, e.g., emotional, physical, or sexual abuse] which has rendered it impossible for me to file this petition jointly with my spouse. The abuse began on or around [Date] and has continued until [Date, or "presently"].
In support of my waiver request, I am submitting the following documentation:
- Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status
- Copy of [Your] Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551)
- [List of evidence supporting the waiver, e.g., Police reports, restraining orders, medical records, letters from therapists or shelters, affidavits from witnesses, evidence of legal separation or divorce]
- Sworn statement detailing the abuse
I have also included a sworn statement detailing the abuse I have endured, which provides further context for my inability to file jointly. I request that USCIS consider the evidence provided and approve my petition for the removal of conditions.
Thank you for your understanding and consideration of my situation.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
I-751 Cover Letter Sample: Waiver of Joint Filing Requirement (Hardship to Child)
[Your Full Name]
[Your A-Number]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
P.O. Box [Specific USCIS Lockbox Address for I-751]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status - Waiver of Joint Filing Requirement due to Hardship to Child of [Your Full Name]
Dear USCIS Officer,
Please accept this submission as my petition to remove the conditions on my permanent resident status, [Your Full Name], A-Number: [Your A-Number]. I am requesting a waiver of the joint filing requirement due to extreme hardship that would be imposed on my U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident child, [Child's Full Name], if I were required to return to my country of origin.
I was granted conditional permanent resident status on [Date] based on my marriage to [Spouse's Full Name]. Due to [briefly explain the circumstances that prevent joint filing and cause hardship to the child, e.g., separation from spouse, spouse's inability to care for the child, the child's specific medical or educational needs that would be severely impacted], I am unable to file this petition jointly with my spouse. My child, [Child's Full Name], is [Child's Age] years old and is a [U.S. Citizen/Lawful Permanent Resident] and is entirely dependent on me for care and support.
The hardship my child would face includes:
- [Detail the specific hardships, e.g., Separation from primary caregiver, disruption of education, lack of access to necessary medical treatment in home country, psychological distress]
- [Explain the child's dependency on you]
- [Mention any specific medical conditions or special needs the child has]
In support of my waiver request, I am submitting the following documentation:
- Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status
- Copy of [Your] Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551)
- Proof of your child's status (e.g., Birth Certificate, green card)
- [List of evidence supporting the hardship to the child, e.g., Medical records for the child, school enrollment records, letters from doctors or educators, affidavits from individuals aware of the child's situation, proof of your sole or primary caregiving role]
I have included detailed evidence to demonstrate the extreme hardship my child would endure. I kindly request that USCIS approve my petition for the removal of conditions.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
I-751 Cover Letter Sample: Waiver of Joint Filing Requirement (Good Faith Marriage Ended)
[Your Full Name]
[Your A-Number]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
P.O. Box [Specific USCIS Lockbox Address for I-751]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status - Waiver of Joint Filing Requirement due to Bona Fide Marriage Ending in Divorce/Death of [Your Full Name]
Dear USCIS Officer,
Please accept this submission as my petition to remove the conditions on my permanent resident status, [Your Full Name], A-Number: [Your A-Number]. I am requesting a waiver of the joint filing requirement because my bona fide marriage to [Spouse's Full Name] has ended.
I was granted conditional permanent resident status on [Date] based on my marriage to [Spouse's Full Name]. Unfortunately, despite my good faith in entering into this marriage, it has ended due to [briefly explain the reason for the end of the marriage, e.g., irreconcilable differences, spouse's actions, etc.]. The marriage ended on [Date of divorce or spouse's death].
I am filing this petition without my former spouse because [state reason, e.g., we are legally divorced, or my spouse has passed away]. I have always acted in good faith and entered into this marriage with the genuine intent of building a life together.
In support of my waiver request, I am submitting the following documentation:
- Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status
- Copy of [Your] Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551)
- Proof of the termination of the marriage (e.g., Final Divorce Decree, Death Certificate of Spouse)
- [List of evidence demonstrating the good faith of the marriage prior to its termination, e.g., marriage certificate, joint financial records, joint leases, birth certificates of children born to the marriage, affidavits from friends/family who can attest to the genuineness of the marriage]
I have provided evidence to demonstrate that the marriage was entered into in good faith. I kindly request that USCIS approve my petition for the removal of conditions.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
I-751 Cover Letter Sample: Adding Children to the Petition
[Your Full Name]
[Your A-Number]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
P.O. Box [Specific USCIS Lockbox Address for I-751]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status - Joint Petition of [Your Full Name] and inclusion of [Child 1 Full Name] and [Child 2 Full Name]
Dear USCIS Officer,
Please accept this submission as our joint petition to remove the conditions on permanent resident status for [Your Full Name], A-Number: [Your A-Number]. We are also requesting the inclusion of our children, [Child 1 Full Name], A-Number: [Child 1 A-Number], and [Child 2 Full Name], A-Number: [Child 2 A-Number], on this petition.
We have been married since [Date of Marriage] and have continuously resided together as a married couple. Our children were born into our marriage and are also conditional permanent residents.
We are submitting this petition together to demonstrate the continued existence and legitimacy of our marriage and to ensure our children's permanent residency is finalized.
Enclosed please find the following documents in support of our petition:
- Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status (for yourself)
- Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status (for each child)
- Copy of [Your] Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551)
- Copies of [Children's] Permanent Resident Cards (Form I-551)
- Copies of Marriage Certificate
- Birth Certificates for [Child 1 Full Name] and [Child 2 Full Name]
- [List of additional bona fide evidence of the marriage and family unity, as listed in the joint petition example]
We have provided evidence of our genuine marital relationship and our family unity. We kindly request that our petition and the inclusion of our children be approved.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
[Spouse's Signature]
[Spouse's Typed Full Name]
[Child 1 Full Name, if applicable and over 14, with their signature]
[Child 2 Full Name, if applicable and over 14, with their signature]
I-751 Cover Letter Sample: Expedited Processing Request
[Your Full Name]
[Your A-Number]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
P.O. Box [Specific USCIS Lockbox Address for I-751]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status - Request for Expedited Processing of [Your Full Name]
Dear USCIS Officer,
Please accept this submission as our joint petition to remove the conditions on permanent resident status for [Your Full Name], A-Number: [Your A-Number]. We are writing to respectfully request expedited processing of this petition due to urgent humanitarian reasons.
We are submitting this petition jointly, based on our bona fide marriage since [Date of Marriage]. However, we are requesting expedited processing because [clearly and concisely explain the compelling reason for expedited processing. Examples include: a life-threatening medical emergency requiring travel abroad, a critical job opportunity with strict deadlines abroad, or a significant family emergency requiring immediate travel].
Specifically, [provide a detailed explanation of the urgent situation and why it necessitates expedited processing. For example: "My spouse, [Spouse's Full Name], has been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness and requires immediate access to specialized medical treatment in [Country] which is only available for a limited time. Without expedited approval, we will miss this critical window of opportunity."]
In support of our request for expedited processing, we are providing the following documentation:
- Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status
- Copy of [Your] Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551)
- Copies of Marriage Certificate
- [List of evidence supporting the expedited request, e.g., Medical documentation from physicians, hospital admission notices, letters from employers, proof of urgent travel plans]
We understand that expedited processing is granted on a case-by-case basis and is reserved for urgent situations. We believe our circumstances meet the criteria for such consideration.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this urgent matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
[Spouse's Signature]
[Spouse's Typed Full Name]
I-751 Cover Letter Sample: When Spouse is Unreachable or Unwilling
[Your Full Name]
[Your A-Number]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
P.O. Box [Specific USCIS Lockbox Address for I-751]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status - Waiver of Joint Filing Requirement of [Your Full Name] - Spouse Unreachable/Unwilling
Dear USCIS Officer,
Please accept this submission as my petition to remove the conditions on my permanent resident status, [Your Full Name], A-Number: [Your A-Number]. I am requesting a waiver of the joint filing requirement because I am unable to obtain my spouse's cooperation in filing this petition, and I have made good faith efforts to do so.
I was granted conditional permanent resident status on [Date] based on my marriage to [Spouse's Full Name]. We entered into this marriage in good faith on [Date of Marriage]. Unfortunately, my spouse is [unreachable/unwilling] to sign the joint petition. I have attempted to contact them on multiple occasions to discuss filing this petition together, but I have been unsuccessful in reaching them/they have refused to cooperate.
My attempts to secure my spouse's cooperation include:
- [Detail your efforts, e.g., Repeated phone calls, emails, written letters sent on specific dates]
- [Mention if you have attempted to involve a mutual friend or family member]
I am submitting this petition independently to demonstrate the continued legitimacy of my conditional permanent resident status, as I have always acted in good faith regarding my marriage and my immigration status.
In support of my waiver request, I am submitting the following documentation:
- Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status
- Copy of [Your] Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551)
- [List of evidence demonstrating the good faith of the marriage, e.g., marriage certificate, joint financial records, joint leases, birth certificates of children born to the marriage, affidavits from friends/family who can attest to the genuineness of the marriage and your efforts to include your spouse]
- Documentation of your attempts to contact your spouse (e.g., copies of emails, letters, phone logs if available)
I have provided evidence to demonstrate my good faith and my inability to file jointly. I kindly request that USCIS approve my petition for the removal of conditions.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
Crafting an effective I-751 cover letter is a vital step in removing conditions from your Green Card. By understanding the purpose of the cover letter and tailoring it to your specific situation, you can significantly improve your chances of a smooth and successful application process. Remember to be clear, organized, and to include all necessary supporting documentation. Using an I-751 Cover Letter Sample as a guide can provide a solid foundation, but always customize it to accurately reflect your unique circumstances.