Filing your I-751 petition to remove conditions on your permanent residence can feel overwhelming, but you’re already taking the right step by seeking guidance. The cover letter you submit with your petition serves as your first opportunity to tell your story and present your case clearly to USCIS officers who will review your application.
Think of your cover letter as a roadmap that guides the reviewing officer through your evidence package. A well-crafted letter can make the difference between a smooth approval process and months of additional requests for evidence. Let’s explore ten different approaches that have helped countless couples successfully remove the conditions on their green cards.
Sample Cover Letters for I-751
These carefully crafted examples demonstrate various writing styles and approaches you can adapt to your unique situation. Each letter addresses different circumstances while maintaining the professional tone USCIS expects.
1. Standard Joint Filing Cover Letter
[Insert recipient’s address]
[Your name and spouse’s name]
[Your address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Phone number]
[Email address]
[Date]
Subject: I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence – [Your Full Name], A# [Your Alien Number]
Dear USCIS Officer:
We are submitting this I-751 petition to remove the conditions on my permanent residence status. My spouse [Spouse’s Full Name] and I have been married for [number] years, and we continue to share a life built on genuine love and commitment.
Our marriage began on [wedding date] and has grown stronger each year. We have built a home together, made joint financial decisions, and created lasting memories as a married couple. The enclosed evidence demonstrates the authenticity and ongoing nature of our marital relationship.
The supporting documentation includes joint tax returns for the past two years, bank statements showing shared financial responsibilities, lease agreements for our shared residence, insurance policies listing both of us as beneficiaries, and photographs documenting our life together. Additionally, we have included affidavits from family members and friends who can attest to the genuine nature of our marriage.
We have organized our evidence chronologically to help you review our case efficiently. Tab 1 contains our completed I-751 form and supporting civil documents. Tab 2 includes our financial evidence, while Tab 3 contains our joint household documentation. Tab 4 features personal statements and affidavits from people who know us well.
Thank you for your consideration of our petition. We look forward to a favorable decision and are available to provide any additional information you may require.
Sincerely,
[Your signature]
[Your printed name]
[Your spouse’s signature]
[Your spouse’s printed name]
2. Evidence-Heavy Detailed Cover Letter
[Recipient’s address placeholder]
[Petitioner’s name and designation]
[Complete contact information]
[Date]
Subject: Form I-751 Petition – Comprehensive Evidence Package for [Petitioner’s Name]
To Whom It May Concern:
Please find enclosed our meticulously organized I-751 petition package. After three years of conditional permanent residence, we are confident that our extensive documentation clearly establishes the bona fide nature of our marriage.
Our evidence package contains over 200 pages of documentation spanning the entire duration of our relationship. We have included joint tax returns from 2022, 2023, and 2024, showing combined income of over $150,000 annually. Our joint bank accounts at Chase Bank and Wells Fargo demonstrate shared financial management, with regular deposits from both parties and joint expenditures for household needs.
The property documentation shows we purchased our family home in [City, State] in [Year], with both names on the mortgage and deed. We have made consistent joint mortgage payments for the past [number] years, building equity together as any married couple would. Our homeowner’s insurance policy lists both spouses as insured parties.
Health insurance through my employer covers both of us, with my spouse listed as my primary beneficiary on my life insurance policy worth $500,000. We have maintained joint auto insurance for our two vehicles, and both cars are registered in both names.
Personal evidence includes over 50 photographs documenting vacations, family gatherings, holidays, and everyday moments from our marriage. We have traveled together to [destinations], celebrating anniversaries and creating memories that only genuine couples share.
Five affidavits from close friends and family members provide third-party perspectives on our relationship. These individuals have observed our marriage firsthand and can speak to its authenticity.
We have organized everything with labeled tabs and a detailed index for your convenience. Each piece of evidence directly supports our claim that we entered marriage in good faith and continue to live as a married couple.
Respectfully submitted,
[Signature block]
[Printed names and dates]
3. Brief and Direct Approach
[Insert address of recipient]
[Sender’s name and role]
[Date]
Re: I-751 Petition for [Full Name], Receipt Number [if available]
Dear Immigration Officer:
We submit this I-751 petition to remove conditions on my permanent residence. [Spouse’s name] and I married on [date] and have lived together continuously since then.
Our evidence includes joint tax returns, shared bank accounts, our mortgage in both names, and insurance policies covering both spouses. We also provide photographs and statements from friends who know our marriage well.
All documents are authentic and current. We believe they clearly show our marriage is real and ongoing.
Please contact us if you need additional information.
Best regards,
[Signatures]
[Names]
4. Personal Story Emphasis Cover Letter
[Recipient address information]
[Your complete name and address details]
[Current date]
Subject: I-751 Removal of Conditions – Our Marriage Journey
Dear USCIS Review Officer:
Three years ago, [Spouse’s name] and I stood before our families and friends to pledge our lives to each other. Today, we write to you not just as applicants, but as a couple who has weathered life’s challenges together and emerged stronger.
Our story began when we met at [location/situation]. What started as friendship blossomed into deep love, leading to our engagement in [year] and marriage in [year]. Since then, we have faced job changes, family illnesses, and the normal ups and downs that test any marriage. Through it all, we have supported each other as true partners.
We bought our first home together in [year], spending weekends painting rooms and planting our garden. When [spouse’s name] lost their job during the pandemic, we tightened our budget and supported each other emotionally and financially. When my father became ill, [spouse’s name] took leave from work to help care for him alongside me.
These experiences have deepened our bond and proven that our marriage was never about immigration benefits. We married for love, and we remain married because our partnership enriches both our lives.
The enclosed evidence tells the practical story of our shared life. Joint bank accounts, tax returns, insurance policies, and our mortgage all demonstrate the financial intertwining that comes with genuine marriage. But the photographs, travel receipts, and letters from family tell the real story of two people building a life together.
We hope you will see in our evidence what our friends and family see every day: a couple committed to each other and to the life we are building together in the United States.
With gratitude for your consideration,
[Signed names]
[Printed names and date]
5. Legal and Professional Tone
[Government office address placeholder]
[Applicant name and professional title]
[Contact details and date]
RE: Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence Petitioner: [Full Legal Name] Alien Registration Number: [A-Number]
Dear Adjudicating Officer:
This correspondence accompanies the Form I-751 petition filed by the above-referenced petitioner seeking removal of conditions on permanent residence status pursuant to Section 216 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
The petitioner obtained conditional permanent residence on [date] based on marriage to U.S. citizen [spouse’s full name]. The couple married on [date] and have maintained a bona fide marital relationship throughout the conditional residence period.
The evidentiary record demonstrates continuous cohabitation, financial interdependence, and social recognition of the marital relationship. Documentation includes federal tax returns filed jointly for tax years [years], bank statements for jointly held accounts, mortgage documentation for the marital residence, insurance policies listing both spouses, and photographic evidence spanning the duration of the relationship.
Third-party affidavits from individuals with personal knowledge of the marriage provide additional corroboration of the relationship’s authenticity. These affiants include family members, friends, and professional colleagues who have observed the couple’s relationship over time.
The petitioner respectfully requests favorable adjudication of this petition based on the compelling evidence of a bona fide marriage entered into in good faith and continuing to the present date.
Should additional evidence or clarification be required, the petitioner stands ready to provide such documentation promptly.
Respectfully submitted,
[Formal signature block]
6. Conversational and Warm Approach
[Address placeholder for USCIS office]
[Your names and address information]
[Today’s date]
Subject: Our I-751 Petition – [Your Name] A# [Number]
Hello:
We hope this letter finds you well. We’re writing to submit our I-751 petition, and we wanted to share a bit about our journey together.
When [spouse’s name] and I got married [time period] ago, we knew we were starting something special. Like most couples, we had no idea what adventures lay ahead, but we were excited to face them together. And honestly, it’s been even better than we imagined.
We’ve grown so much as individuals and as partners. [Spouse’s name] has supported my career goals while pursuing their own dreams in [field]. We’ve bought our first house, adopted a dog named [name], and started traditions that make our little family unique.
The paperwork you’ll find in our packet tells one story – shared bank accounts, joint tax returns, insurance policies, and all the official documents that show we’re legally and financially connected. But the photos scattered throughout tell the real story. There’s us on our honeymoon, exhausted but happy after moving day, celebrating holidays with both sides of our family, and just enjoying quiet Sunday mornings together.
Our friends always joke that we’re still in the honeymoon phase because we genuinely enjoy spending time together. Whether we’re trying new restaurants, binge-watching shows, or just grocery shopping, we prefer doing things as a team.
We know you see many applications, and we appreciate the time you’ll spend reviewing ours. We’ve tried to organize everything clearly so you can see what we see – two people who found each other, fell in love, and are building a life that gets better every year.
Thanks for considering our petition. We’re here if you need anything else.
Warmly,
[Signatures and names]
7. Challenge-Focused Cover Letter
[USCIS address placeholder]
[Petitioner and spouse information]
[Date]
Subject: I-751 Petition with Explanation of Unique Circumstances
Dear USCIS Officer:
We submit this I-751 petition acknowledging that our case may require additional review due to circumstances beyond our control. We want to address these issues upfront and explain how they actually strengthen the evidence of our genuine marriage.
Due to [spouse’s name]’s military deployment, we were separated physically for eight months during [year]. While this created challenges for a newly married couple, it also proved the strength of our commitment. We maintained daily contact through video calls, letters, and messages. During the deployment, I managed our household finances, maintained our joint accounts, and [spouse’s name] continued to contribute to our shared expenses.
The deployment period actually generated additional evidence of our ongoing relationship. We have hundreds of communications records, care packages I sent overseas, and documentation of my attendance at military family support meetings. When [spouse’s name] returned, we immediately resumed our shared life without missing a beat.
Additionally, my job required temporary relocation to [city] for six months in [year]. Rather than live apart, [spouse’s name] took a leave of absence to move with me. We maintained our primary residence while renting temporary housing together. This decision cost us financially but demonstrated our priority on staying together as a married couple.
These challenges tested our marriage early, but they also created unique documentation of our commitment to each other. Military records, temporary housing leases, and employment relocation documents all support our case in ways typical couples might not have.
We believe these experiences, rather than weakening our petition, actually provide stronger evidence that we married for love and have prioritized our relationship above convenience or individual interests.
Thank you for your understanding and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Signatures]
[Printed names]
8. Family-Focused Letter
[Office address information]
[Family name and contact details]
[Date of submission]
Re: I-751 Petition for Growing Family – [Petitioner Name]
Dear Review Officer:
As we submit this I-751 petition, we do so not just as a married couple, but as a growing family excited about our future together in the United States.
Since obtaining my conditional green card, [spouse’s name] and I have welcomed our daughter [name] into the world. Born on [date], she has transformed our house into a true family home. Every decision we make now considers her wellbeing and future, just as it should for any loving family.
Our evidence reflects this evolution from couple to family. We’ve opened education savings accounts for [daughter’s name], purchased life insurance policies naming her as beneficiary, and added her to our health insurance. Our home, which we purchased together in [year], now features a nursery that we painted and furnished together while excitedly awaiting her arrival.
[Spouse’s name] took parental leave when [daughter’s name] was born, and we have jointly navigated the joys and challenges of new parenthood. From midnight feedings to first smiles, we have shared every milestone. Our families have embraced our daughter as the newest member, creating bonds that extend far beyond just [spouse’s name] and me.
The financial evidence shows increased expenses for childcare, medical costs, and all the items growing families need. We have jointly made decisions about childcare, pediatric care, and saving for [daughter’s name]’s future education.
Photographs throughout our evidence package now include three family members instead of two. Holiday celebrations, family visits, and everyday moments all feature our complete family unit.
We hope you will see in our documentation not just evidence of an ongoing marriage, but proof of a family that has put down deep roots in this country. [Daughter’s name] is an American citizen, and we are committed to raising her here while contributing positively to our community.
Thank you for considering our family’s petition.
With appreciation,
[Both parents’ signatures]
[Printed names and date]
9. Second Marriage/Special Circumstances
[Government office address]
[Applicant information and credentials]
[Current date]
Subject: I-751 Petition – Second Marriage with Strong Evidence Base
Dear Immigration Adjudicator:
We respectfully submit this I-751 petition with full awareness that second marriages may receive additional scrutiny. We welcome this review because our evidence clearly demonstrates that our marriage is genuine and built on a foundation of love, not immigration convenience.
Both [spouse’s name] and I experienced unsuccessful first marriages that ended in divorce before we met. These experiences taught us valuable lessons about communication, commitment, and what we truly wanted in a life partner. When we found each other in [year], we both knew we had discovered something special worth protecting.
We took our time getting to know each other, dating for [time period] before engagement and marriage. This extended courtship period actually provides extensive documentation of our developing relationship. We have evidence of joint activities, shared vacations, and gradual financial integration that began well before marriage.
Our wedding was attended by children from our previous marriages, symbolizing the blended family we were creating. Both sets of children have embraced our union and consider us a complete family unit. School events, medical appointments, and family celebrations all include participation from both parents.
The evidence package demonstrates financial interdependence that goes beyond typical newlywed documentation. We have refinanced [spouse’s name]’s house to add my name to the mortgage, combined retirement accounts where legally possible, and created joint estate planning documents that consider all our children’s interests.
We understand that immigration officers must carefully evaluate cases involving multiple marriages. However, we are confident that our extensive evidence, third-party affidavits, and the genuine nature of our relationship will withstand any level of scrutiny.
Both of us have stable careers, community ties, and family obligations that would make any fraudulent marriage arrangement impractical and unnecessary. We married because we love each other and wanted to build a life together.
Thank you for your careful consideration of our petition.
Respectfully,
[Signatures of both spouses]
[Printed names and date]
10. Community-Integrated Couple
[USCIS office address placeholder]
[Couple’s name and community information]
[Submission date]
Subject: I-751 Petition – Community-Rooted Marriage of [Petitioner Name]
Dear USCIS Official:
We are proud to submit this I-751 petition as active members of the [City Name] community who have built our marriage on a foundation of shared values and mutual support.
Since our marriage in [year], [spouse’s name] and I have become deeply involved in our local community. We volunteer together at [organization], where we have contributed over [number] hours of service. Our joint participation in community activities has created relationships with dozens of people who can attest to the genuine nature of our marriage.
We are active members of [religious institution/community organization], where we have participated in [specific activities]. Our involvement includes [specific examples of joint participation]. These activities have created lasting friendships and demonstrate our commitment to building a life together in this community.
Professionally, we have both established careers here. I work as [job title] at [company], while [spouse’s name] has built a successful [profession] practice. Our professional networks overlap significantly, and colleagues from both our workplaces have observed our marriage over the past [time period].
We own our home in the [neighborhood] area, where we have developed friendships with neighbors and participated in local events. Our address has remained consistent throughout our marriage, and we have invested in home improvements that reflect our long-term commitment to staying in this community.
Our evidence includes documentation of joint community involvement, membership in organizations, volunteer service records, and correspondence that shows our address consistency. We also provide statements from community members who know us as a married couple.
Local businesses know us as a couple – from our bank, where we are recognized customers, to local restaurants where staff greet us by name. These everyday interactions create a web of community connections that would be impossible to fabricate.
We have chosen to build our life in the United States not just as individuals, but as contributing members of a community that has welcomed us. Our marriage is woven into the fabric of this community, creating bonds that extend far beyond just the two of us.
We appreciate your consideration of our petition and the opportunity to continue contributing to American society as permanent residents.
Gratefully submitted,
[Couple’s signatures]
[Printed names with date]
Conclusion: Crafting Your I-751 Cover Letter
Your I-751 cover letter serves as the introduction to your love story and the roadmap to your evidence. Whether you choose a formal business approach or a more personal tone, the key is authenticity and organization. Each of these ten examples demonstrates different ways to present your case while maintaining the professionalism USCIS expects.
Remember that your cover letter should reflect your unique circumstances and relationship. Use these samples as inspiration, but make sure your final letter tells your specific story in your own voice. The goal is to help the reviewing officer understand your evidence package and see the genuine nature of your marriage.
Take time to organize your evidence clearly, address any potential concerns proactively, and present your case with confidence. Your cover letter is your first opportunity to make a positive impression, so invest the effort needed to make it compelling and professional.
Most importantly, be truthful and thorough in your presentation. USCIS officers are experienced at recognizing genuine relationships, and a well-prepared petition supported by authentic evidence gives you the best chance for a smooth approval process.