conditional resident
A conditional resident is a noncitizen who is granted permanent resident statutes on a conditional basis. The conditional resident receives a green card valid for 2 years. In order to remain a permanent resident, the conditional resident must file a petition to remove the condition during the 90 days before the card expires.
Definition from Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary
A foreign-born person who, instead of being granted permanent resident status (a green card), is granted U.S. residence on a conditional, two-year basis. Near the end of the two years, the person must petition for the removal of the conditions -- in other words, prove continuing eligibility for the same status, with a request to convert to permanent resident status. Under current law, people who apply for green cards as the spouse of a U.S. citizen where the marriage is less than two years old at the time they're approved for U.S. residence, as well as all immigrant investors, are the only two groups who are required to spend time as conditional residents.
Definition provided by Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary.
August 19, 2010, 5:13 pm
