Can a petition filed over two decades ago still change your life today? Believe it or not—yes, it can. That’s the unexpected power of Section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Originally enacted under the LIFE Act, 245(i) allows certain individuals—yes, even those who are undocumented or out of status—to apply for a green card without leaving the U.S. The catch? You must be “grandfathered in” by a qualifying immigration petition or labor certification that was filed on or before April 30, 2001. That may sound like ancient history, but for thousands of immigrants and their families, it still offers one of the only legal lifelines available today.

In 2025, this law is still valid for people who meet the requirements. But let’s be honest—understanding who qualifies under 245(i), what “grandfathered” really means, or how derivative family members can benefit, can feel like walking through legal quicksand. That’s exactly why this guide exists.

We’re going to break it all down—in plain English, step by step. Whether you’re the beneficiary of an old I-130 or just discovered your parent was petitioned for back in the 90s, you might be closer to legal status than you think.

So let’s go back in time—because your future in the U.S. might just depend on it.

 

🧾 What Is Section 245(i) and Why It Still Matters Today

 

Okay, let’s clear something up right away—Section 245(i) isn’t some dusty old rule no one uses anymore. It’s actually one of the most powerful legal tools still available for certain immigrants trying to get a green card from inside the U.S., even if they entered illegally or overstayed a visa.

So, what is it exactly?

Section 245(i) was passed in the late 1990s as part of the Legal Immigration Family Equity (LIFE) Act. Congress basically said: “Hey, if you or someone in your family started a legal immigration process before a certain date, we’ll give you another chance to finish it—even if your status isn’t perfect today.” Sounds generous, right? It was. And it still is.

Here’s why it matters: normally, if you entered the U.S. without inspection or overstayed your visa, you’re barred from adjusting status here. You’d have to leave the country and risk a 3- or 10-year ban just to finish your green card process. That’s terrifying—and it keeps families apart.

But with 245(i), you can skip that heartbreak. If you qualify, you can stay in the U.S. and apply for your green card without having to leave—as long as you pay a $1,000 penalty fee and meet a few key conditions (we’ll go over all that later).

Even though no new petitions have been accepted under 245(i) since April 30, 2001, the law is still valid for people who were petitioned before that date. Think of it like a legal time capsule: if your parent, spouse, or employer filed a qualifying petition for you (or even for someone else you were connected to) before the deadline, you may still be “grandfathered in.”

And get this—even if that petition was never approved, or even withdrawn, it might still count. Yep. That’s why checking old records and asking family members about past immigration history could unlock an opportunity you never knew existed.

Bottom line? 245(i) is like a legal relic that still works. It’s not dead law. It’s a loophole with heart, and if you’re lucky enough to qualify, it can change your entire future.

 

✅ Who Qualifies Under 245(i)?

So now you’re probably wondering… “Am I actually eligible?” Good question—and here’s where things get a little technical (but don’t worry, I’ve got you).

To qualify under Section 245(i), you generally need two main things:

1. A qualifying immigration petition (or labor certification) that was filed on or before April 30, 2001
2. And in some cases, you had to be physically present in the U.S. on December 21, 2000

Let’s break this down into two groups—because there’s a pre-1998 rule and a 2001 rule.

 

📅 Group 1: Petitions Filed Before January 14, 1998

If someone filed a petition (like an I-130 or I-140) for you before this date—congrats! You’re grandfathered in. You don’t have to prove physical presence in 2000. All you need is:

• A qualifying petition properly filed by that deadline
• Proof you were the beneficiary (or a derivative family member like a spouse or child)

Even if you’re using a completely different petition now, the old one still gives you 245(i) protection. Wild, right?

📅 Group 2: Petitions Filed Between January 14, 1998 and April 30, 2001

You still qualify—but there’s an extra requirement:
👉 You must have been physically present in the U.S. on December 21, 2000.

That doesn’t mean you needed to have status or a visa. You just needed to be here—and be able to prove it. Think: school records, pay stubs, rent receipts, anything that shows you were living in the U.S. on that date.

👥 Who Can File the Petition That Qualifies You?

The original petition could be:

• A family-based I-130
• An employment-based I-140
• A labor certification (PERM)
• An I-360 (for widows, abused spouses, etc.)
• Even a late amnesty or special agricultural worker application (in rare cases)

The cool part? The petition doesn’t have to be approved. It just had to be “approvable when filed.” So if it was filled out correctly and had a real, genuine relationship or job offer, it might still count—even if it was later denied or withdrawn.

👶 Bonus: Derivative Beneficiaries Can Qualify Too

Let’s say your parent or spouse was the main person petitioned. If you were under 21 or married to them at the time, you might be covered too. That’s what’s called “derivative eligibility”, and it’s a big deal for keeping families together.

In short, if you—or your parent, spouse, or even an employer—filed the right paperwork before April 30, 2001… you might be eligible under 245(i). And once you’re grandfathered in, you stay eligible forever, no matter how long ago it was.

Coming up next: What kind of petitions qualify, and how to tell if yours is good enough to unlock 245(i) benefits.

👇Okay, so now that you know the dates that matter… let’s talk about the petition itself. Because here’s the thing: not all petitions are created equal when it comes to 245(i).

To benefit from this law, your petition—or your parent’s, spouse’s, or even employer’s—has to meet one simple but critical test:
👉 It must have been “properly filed” and “approvable when filed.”

Let’s unpack that.

📬 What Counts as a “Properly Filed” Petition?

A petition is considered properly filed if:

• It was submitted on time (before April 30, 2001)

• It was signed and complete

• It was filed with the appropriate filing fee

• It was submitted to the correct immigration office

Sounds basic, but you’d be surprised how many people miss this part. If USCIS or the Department of Labor accepted the petition and gave a receipt notice, you’re on the right track.

🟢 What Does “Approvable When Filed” Mean?

This is where things get a little more flexible—and a lot more interesting.

Even if your petition was denied later, it might still qualify you for 245(i) if it was approvable when filed. That means:

• The petitioner was eligible to file it (like a U.S. citizen sibling or employer with a valid business)

• The relationship or job offer was real

• You weren’t disqualified at the time due to fraud or criminal issues

So yeah, your old I-130 that got denied because your cousin forgot to respond to a Request for Evidence? If everything else was solid, it might still get you grandfathered in. That’s the magic of this law.

📋 Types of Petitions That Can Qualify You

Here are the most common ones:

• Form I-130 (Family-based): Filed by a U.S. citizen or green card holder for a spouse, child, sibling, or parent

• Form I-140 (Employment-based): Filed by an employer for a sponsored worker

• Labor Certification (ETA-750 or PERM): For employment-based green cards

• Form I-360: For widows/widowers, abused spouses (VAWA), or religious workers

• Amnesty or special agricultural worker applications: Rare but still count in some cases

Fun fact: Some people qualify under a petition that was never for them directly, like when your parent was petitioned and you were a minor at the time. Or if you were listed as a dependent on your spouse’s employment-based petition.

🤷 What If the Petitioner Is Dead or the Petition Was Withdrawn?

Surprisingly, that doesn’t always disqualify you. If the petition was approvable when it was submitted—and all the pieces were in place—you may still be grandfathered in under 245(i).
You can even use a different petition now, and the original one still “unlocks the door” for you.

So here’s the big takeaway: don’t throw away that dusty old receipt notice just because the case didn’t go through. That forgotten petition from 20 years ago might be the legal key to your future.

Up next: what it actually costs to use 245(i), and the steps involved in applying—including that infamous $1,000 fee.

Excellent! Here’s the next section, designed to be helpful, conversational, and packed with practical tips:

💵 245(i) Penalty Fee and Application Process

Alright—so you’ve got your qualifying petition, and you’re either directly or derivatively eligible. The next step? Actually applying to adjust your status under 245(i). And yep… this is where the infamous $1,000 penalty fee comes into play.

Let’s walk through it, step by step.

💸 Why the Penalty Fee Exists (And Who Pays It)

Congress didn’t just hand out green cards for free—let’s be real. The $1,000 penalty fee is the price you pay for adjusting your status even if you’re out of status, overstayed your visa, or entered the U.S. without inspection.

Here’s what you should know:

• It’s mandatory. No waiver, no exceptions.

• It applies in addition to your regular green card fees.

• You’ll only pay it once—as part of your adjustment of status package.

Even if your original petition was filed 20+ years ago, this penalty still applies if you’re using 245(i) today.

📄 What Forms You Need to File

To apply, you’ll need:

• Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status)

• Form I-485 Supplement A (This is the 245(i)-specific form)

• Proof of your grandfathered petition (e.g., old I-130 receipt)

• Proof of physical presence on December 21, 2000, if applicable

• Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) if your petition is family-based

• Medical Exam (Form I-693)—can be submitted later but needed eventually

• The full filing fee plus the $1,000 penalty

Keep in mind that Form I-485 Supplement A is what triggers the 245(i) benefits. If you skip it, you can’t access the protection—even if you’re eligible!

🧾 How to Pay the $1,000 Fee

• The fee is submitted with the I-485 package as a separate check or money order.

• It should be payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
• In some cases, if you’re including multiple family members, each person needs to pay separately.

Pro tip: Double-check the USCIS website or talk to an immigration attorney to confirm the correct fee amounts—they do change, and getting it wrong can delay your case big time.

🔍 What USCIS Looks For

When they review your application under 245(i), USCIS is checking:

• Was the original petition approvable when filed?

• Do you still qualify now under a current petition?

• Did you include the Supplement A and the penalty fee?

• Are you admissible under U.S. immigration law (no bars due to crimes, fraud, etc.)?

⏳ How Long Does It Take?

Unfortunately, there’s no shortcut. You’ll wait the same processing time as any other adjustment of status case, depending on your category (family, employment, etc.). But the key difference? You get to do it inside the U.S., safely and legally.

Bottom line? 245(i) is powerful—but it comes with a price. The good news? If you’re eligible and prepared, that $1,000 fee could be the best investment you ever make.

Next up: Can your spouse or kids benefit too? Let’s talk derivative eligibility under 245(i). 👇

 

👨‍👩‍👧 Derivative Beneficiaries: Can Your Family Also Qualify?

Let’s say you’ve confirmed you’re grandfathered in under 245(i)—but you’re not alone. You’ve got a spouse, maybe a couple of kids, and you’re wondering… can they come with me on this journey?

Good news: in many cases, yes, they can.

That’s where derivative eligibility under 245(i) comes in. It’s one of the law’s most family-friendly features—and it can make all the difference.

👥 Who Counts as a Derivative Beneficiary?

The short version: your spouse and unmarried children under 21 at the time of the original petition (and adjustment) can benefit through you.

More specifically:

• Your spouse is eligible if you were legally married before your adjustment of status is granted.

• Your child is eligible if they were under 21 and unmarried when you file for adjustment.

⚠️ Important: If you’re adjusting through a new petition now, your family must also be included in the new process to receive benefits.

 

🕰️ What If My Family Members Came to the U.S. Later?

That’s okay! What matters is that you are grandfathered in. As long as your spouse or children apply to adjust at the same time as you, and they meet all other requirements (like paying their own $1,000 penalty), they can usually benefit derivatively.

In other words: your eligibility can unlock their path, too.

Even if your spouse entered without inspection or your child overstayed their visa, 245(i) can protect them—as long as your original petition meets the requirements and you file correctly now.

 

🧾 Do They Need Their Own Petitions?

Nope—if they’re adjusting with you as derivatives, they do not need their own separate petitions.
But—if they’re adjusting status through a different petition, like a family-based or employment-based petition made just for them, they can still use your 245(i) grandfathered status to waive unlawful presence.

It’s one of the only legal ways undocumented spouses or kids of immigrants can adjust status inside the U.S.

 

👶 What If My Child Is Over 21 Now?

This gets tricky. Once a child ages out (turns 21), they may no longer qualify as a derivative under 245(i) unless certain protections apply—like the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA).

If this is your case, it’s worth speaking to an immigration attorney who can evaluate whether your child still qualifies under CSPA calculations or might need a separate petition now.

 

💔 What About Stepchildren or Children from Another Relationship?

If you were legally married to the child’s parent before they turned 18, and you meet all other requirements, yes—stepchildren can qualify too. It depends on the family structure at the time the petition was filed and when the adjustment is being made.

So yes—245(i) isn’t just about individuals. It’s about keeping families together.

As long as your relatives are eligible and included correctly, your old petition might help everyone move forward together.

Next up: What if you don’t want to use the same petition now? Can you adjust through a different sponsor and still keep your 245(i) protection? Let’s talk cross-chargeability and smart strategy.

 

🚫 Who Cannot Use 245(i)? Common Misconceptions and Limitations

Let’s be honest—245(i) sounds like a miracle clause (and for many, it is). But it’s not a magic wand, and it doesn’t apply to everyone. A lot of people get tripped up by assumptions, rumors, or outdated advice.

Let’s bust the most common myths and explain who cannot use 245(i)—even if they think they can.

❌ Myth #1: “Anyone Can Pay $1,000 and Get a Green Card”

If only! That’s one of the most dangerous misconceptions floating around.

Reality check:

• You can only use 245(i) if you’re grandfathered in by a petition filed on or before April 30, 2001
• You must be eligible to adjust status now under a valid basis (like a current I-130 or I-140)
• The $1,000 fee is part of the process—not a shortcut

So no—you can’t just pay the fee and skip the rules.

❌ Myth #2: “If I Was in the U.S. Before 2001, I Qualify”

Sadly, no. It’s not about when you arrived—it’s about when a petition was filed for you (or your parent/spouse).

Just living here for a long time doesn’t count. You must have been the beneficiary or derivative of a qualifying petition filed by the key deadlines:

• January 14, 1998 (no physical presence requirement)
• April 30, 2001 (with proof you were in the U.S. on December 21, 2000)

❌ Myth #3: “If My Petition Was Denied, It’s Useless”

Not always! As we covered earlier, even a denied or withdrawn petition can qualify you—if it was “approvable when filed.”

That means the relationship or job offer was real, and the paperwork was done correctly at the time. If the denial was for a technical reason later on, you might still be grandfathered in.

🛑 Who’s Actually Not Eligible for 245(i)?

Let’s list the main groups:

• People with no qualifying petition filed before April 30, 2001
• People who can’t prove physical presence on December 21, 2000 (for petitions between 1998–2001)
• People who are inadmissible due to certain crimes, fraud, or previous immigration violations
• Beneficiaries who were not included as dependents when the original petition was filed (in some cases)

Also, arriving aliens (like those paroled at the border or under certain humanitarian programs) might face additional hurdles—even with 245(i).

📎 One More Thing: You Still Need a Current Path

Even if you’re grandfathered in, you can’t adjust status out of thin air. You still need a valid current petition (I-130, I-140, etc.) to file an adjustment of status.

245(i) simply makes that adjustment possible for people who otherwise wouldn’t be eligible due to unlawful presence or entry without inspection.

 

In short? 245(i) is powerful—but not universal. If your case doesn’t meet the very specific criteria, it won’t work.
But if it does, you’ve got something most immigrants only dream of: a second chance.

🏁 Conclusion: Don’t Miss a Legal Lifeline That Still Works in 2025

It’s wild to think that a petition filed decades ago could still be your path to permanent residency today. But that’s exactly what makes Section 245(i) so unique.

In a world where immigration laws constantly shift and tighten, 245(i) remains a steady, reliable option—but only if you meet the specific eligibility requirements. If you’re grandfathered in, you’ve got something powerful in your hands. It doesn’t matter if the original petition was denied, withdrawn, or forgotten in a box in your parent’s closet. What matters is the date it was filed, and whether you’re able to show the paper trail that proves your place in line.

We covered a lot:

• The importance of April 30, 2001 and what “grandfathered” means
• Who qualifies and what kinds of petitions are valid
• How to use 245(i) with a new petition or sponsor
• The application process—including that $1,000 penalty
• And finally, how your spouse and children might benefit with you

If this all sounds complicated, that’s because… well, it kind of is. But it’s worth it. Because 245(i) is still one of the only legal pathways that allows someone who entered without inspection or overstayed a visa to adjust status from inside the U.S.

💡 If you suspect you or someone in your family might qualify, do not wait.
Start by finding old petitions, gathering paperwork, and consulting with an immigration attorney who knows 245(i) inside and out.

The door is still open.
You just need to walk through it—before it closes forever.

 

🔍 Further Reading: Dive Deeper Into 245(i) and Adjustment of Status

1. 📘 USCIS – Section 245(i) Fact Sheet
   Official overview of eligibility requirements, deadlines, and penalties.
   👉 https://www.uscis.gov/archive/fact-sheet-section-245i-eligibility
2. 📝 USCIS Policy Manual – Adjustment of Status (INA 245)
   Detailed legal framework and exceptions under INA 245, including 245(i) interpretations.
   👉 https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-7-part-b
3. 📄 Form I-485 Supplement A (245(i) Adjustment)
   Download the form required to adjust under 245(i) + instructions on how to file.
   👉 https://www.uscis.gov/i-485supa
4. 💵 USCIS Filing Fees
   Check the current fee schedule—including the $1,000 245(i) penalty and I-485 filing costs.
   👉 https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-fees
5. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) Guide
   Find out how children turning 21 may still qualify under 245(i) protections.
   👉 https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/child-status-protection-act
6. 🕵️ AILA – Practice Advisory on Grandfathering Under 245(i)
   Legal deep dive for attorneys and advanced readers on complicated 245(i) scenarios.
   👉 https://www.aila.org/advo-media/aila-practice-pointers/practice-advisory-245i-grandfathering
7. 📚 LIFE Act Overview (Legal Immigration Family Equity)
   Understand the broader law that introduced 245(i) and its family-based intent.
   👉 https://www.congress.gov/bill/106th-congress/house-bill/5542