HOW TO GET A GREEN CARD USING
SECTION 245i

This page teaches you how to get your get your green card without leaving the United States even if you entered the U.S. unlawfully or overstayed your visa.

Section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act allows certain foreign-born persons to “adjust their status” to permanent residence without leaving the U.S.  Instead of returning to their country to apply for a green card, they pay a $1,000 fine and get their green card in the U.S.

In general, they (or their parents while they were a minor) must have had a relative or an employer file a visa petition (forms I-130 and I-140) or a labor certification on the their behalf on or before April 30, 2001.  If the visa petition or labor certification was filed between January 15, 1998 and April 30, 2001, there is an additional requirement that they be present in the U.S. on December 21, 2000, the day the final extension of section 245(i) was signed into law.

We hope that the following materials will assist you in determining whether you qualify for a green card using section 245(i):

“I can honestly say that Mr. Carl Shusterman and his team are probably the best in the business when it comes to immigration matters. Carl’s greatest asset is his prior work experience as a former INS prosecutor. My family and I were on the verge of being deported from the United States. Because of Carl’s expertise and dedication, not only are we allowed to remain in this country permanently but are on path of obtaining citizenship…” (More client reviews…)

• Immigration Video: How to Get a Green Card Using Section 245(i)  
• Section 245(i) FAQ
• Duran Gonzalez Q & A – Section 245(i) Does Not Overcome the Permanent Bar- AILF Practice Advisory (12-19-07)
• USCIS Memo Clarifying Section 245i (3-09-05)
• Section 245(i) Regulations (3-26-01)
• INS Memo re: Adjustment of Status Under Section 245i as Amended by the LIFE Amendment (1-26-01)
• INS Memorandum Interpreting Section 245(i) Employment-Based Provisions(6-10-99)
• INS Memorandum Interpreting Section 245(i) (4-14-99)

CHAT TRANSCRIPTS

• §245(i) is Back on the Table: Who Qualifies if it Passes?
• Understanding The New Section 245i Law
• Last Minute Tips For Claiming §245(i) Benefits
• The Final Countdown For Claiming §245(i) Benefits
• Section 245(i) Benefits Through Employment
• Section 245(i) And Other Immigration Benefits