WASHINGTON—The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced a policy update to take a risk-based approach by exempting from interviews conditional permanent residents (CPRs) who have filed a petition to remove conditions on their permanent resident status.

Effective immediately, the new criteria will guide USCIS officers on when to waive interviews for CPRs who filed a Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence. This update replaces previous agency guidance that required all conditional permanent residents to undergo an interview if they obtained CPR status through consular processing.

“Implementing a risk-based approach to the conditional permanent resident interview process will increase efficiencies that will improve processing times and further reduce backlogs, while maintaining procedures to identify fraud and protect national security. said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. "This update is consistent with the agency's priorities to break down barriers in the immigration system, remove undue burdens for those seeking benefits, and effectively respond to stakeholder feedback and public concerns."

The previous policy requiring mandatory CPR interviews did not prove to be an efficient use of USCIS staff resources. Under this policy update, USCIS may waive the interview requirement if the agency officer determines that there is sufficient evidence of bona fide marriage, the joint filing requirement is eligible for a waiver (if applicable), there is no indications of fraud or misrepresentation in the supporting documents, no complex facts or issues to resolve, and no criminal history that would make the CPR removable.

A noncitizen who obtains permanent resident status based on a marriage that began less than two years before obtaining permanent resident status receives conditional permanent resident status for two years. To remove the conditions on permanent resident status, family-based CPRs generally must file a Form I-751 within 90 days of the two-year anniversary of obtaining CPR status.

Visit the page of Policy Manual Comments to comment on this update.