Scared and Confused – Divorce & Moving Out While I-751 Is Pending (Joint Filing)

om chi

Hi everyone, I’m posting here because I’m feeling deeply scared and confused, and I honestly don’t know what steps to take next. I would be so grateful if anyone could help guide me through this. I came to the U.S. on a K-1 visa and received a 2-year green card after marriage. Before it expired, we filed Form I-751 jointly, with a decent amount of supporting evidence. In March 2024, I received a 48-month extension, and the case is still pending—no final decision yet. Emotionally, the marriage has been really difficult. We’ve lived together in the same apartment, but we haven’t had real communication in over a year. It’s been painful and lonely. The only shared proof we currently have is the lease to the apartment we signed together last summer. Other than that, we have no shared assets or documentation—no photos, no shared bank accounts, no joint tax filings (we filed separately), no recent trips, no celebrations, no nothing. It’s like we’ve been roommates, not partners. He wanted to separate everything slow by slow over the years. I recently got a full-time job starting in August, and I’ve signed a lease for a new apartment. I plan to move out this week. My spouse is also pushing for divorce—an uncontested one—and I agree. We don’t have any financial disputes or shared property. I want to end the marriage peacefully. But I’m terrified that moving out or filing for divorce now could damage or endanger my pending immigration case. I’ve spoken to lawyers, but instead of clarity, they’ve made me feel more anxious. Some say moving out is too risky, others say it’s okay, but no one gives me a clear, step-by-step answer. So I’m reaching out here, asking from the heart: 👉 Can anyone please tell me what steps I should be taking right now, in what order? My mind is so overwhelmed that I don’t know where to begin, and I’m afraid of making a wrong move. My key concerns: • Can I move out safely before the divorce is filed? • Will separating addresses raise red flags for USCIS? • Can I continue the I-751 without my spouse if I need to? • What documentation should I start gathering now in case I need to convert to a waiver? • Should I notify USCIS about my new address and new job right away, or wait? • Is there any critical timing I should keep in mind (e.g. wait for biometrics, interview, or RFE before moving)? I truly want to do things the right way. I want to stay in the U.S. legally and build a safe, stable life. But I also can’t keep living in fear and emotional pain. I’m not trying to game the system—I’m just trying to survive something very difficult while following the law. If anyone has gone through a similar experience, or if you have any advice or resources, please help me. Even just a checklist or timeline of what to do would mean the world to me. Thank you so much for reading this. #I751 #USCIS #ImmigrationHelp #DivorceWhilePending #GreenCard

Maya Abode3d

Yes, moving out and the whole divorce filing at this moment is too risky, you should know that the 2yrs was based on the marriage and by law you have to go back to your country if the marriage is no more. if he's not physically abusive I would say wait till you get approval before you file for divorce or move out. Because you already have lots of red flags, especially not filling for tax together, signed for lease before reaching out to Lawyers etc. Girl everyone will think you already had an agenda from the get go. The only waiver is you can prove that you didn't marry him for papers and pray no rfe since he has already signed for you. Looks like there's nothing going on If you are not having any bad attitude towards him because you think you have made it to America I think you need to go down and sit with your spouse to give you time.

tototo c3d

hi! I am in similar boat, here’s my timeline in case it’s helpful August 2023 filed for I-751 jointly July 2024 spouse move out we are separated may 2025 filed for divorce June 2025 divorce is finalized immediately after I received divorce decree, I submitted more supporting documents showing our continued life together up until separation + divorce decree and requesting to convert my application to a waiver. now just waiting on next steps, likely an interview I will attend alone. hope this is helpful! you got this❤️

chasing greencard 3d

try to fix it if you can ,but if you can't move out i would always pick my happiness first over everything

Tina L2d

similar

Sai Gill1d

same situation, stay strong

Sai Gill1d

@tototo c divorce finalized in 1 month ? that’s fast . can you recommend me any lawyer - same situation

om chi1d

@Tina L @Sai Gill what’s your email address? let’s talk in detail if you like

om chi1d

@Tina L

tototo c17h

@Sai Gill are you based in New York?

us citizen filling for her wonderful wife12h

In standard political times, I would say it's easier for you. Now, it isn't easy. I will also advise you to talk to your spouse. If not, you'll need a mountain of proof that you entered that marriage in great faith.

om chi11h

@us citizen filling for her wonderful wife talk to him about what? he doesn’t wanna be part of my process except he agreed to write a letter stating our marriage was real and we are divorcing because we don’t agree on having children-he doesn’t want it

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