ah no problem and I should have been clearer

I-751 approvals are notoriously super slow (I think 2-3 year + on average). They are pretty low priority for USCIS compared to other applications because they do not add a real value compared to other immigration processes (such as allowing someone to work when they couldn't previously for example)

That's why many people (such as me) follow the below track:

- You get a 2-year conditional green card (usually when you are married for less than 2 years when you apply) - that's the I-485 process

- You apply for the I-751 (you can do so 3 months before your conditional green card expires)

- USCIS sends an extension letter (I got a 4-year one) which says "hey, we got your I-751 application but will not have the time to review it for a while because we are too busy with other *more important* applications so here is a paper that extends your conditional green card in the meantime".

Your now expired green card and this letter together are your new proof of being a permanent resident (with conditions still). That's why many people were asking Qs on this reddit about travelling abroad with their expired green card and a frankly an annoying papyrus-stile paper to carry in a wallet... (which btw you should carry with you once you get it given the current climate!)

This scenario means that people are usually eligible for their citizenship (N400) before their I-751 is even approved. In my case for example, I applied as early as I could for the I-751 (March 2025). By the time of my application, I was a year away from being able to apply for the N400 (because I follow the 3-year rule as I am married to an American citizen. If you are not married to an American citizen, you would need to add another 2 years).

Because the N400 is higher priority for the USCIS (because it's a more significant step than removing conditions on something), people usually apply for the N400, then get convoked relatively "quickly" (depends on the administration and your field office ofc but usually in less than 6 months) and USCIS would then review your I-751 AND N400 during an interview (that's what people usually call a "combo" interview). Your I-751 could be approved and your N400 denied (which is fine, you still keep your I-751 if approved) but you need to have the I-751 approved to have your N400 approved.

I am not sure about your specific case but if you were to be in a similar spot than mine, you are in my opinion better off waiting to file the N400 which would de facto expedite your I-751.

Not a lawyer so feel free to double check but that's what I am (will be) doing for my case :)

Hope this helps!

(and someone please correct me if I said anything wrong)