But many times an immigrant can avoid leaving the US if the immigrant’s mother or father was sponsored under 245(i) for an immigrant visa (i.e., by their sister or brother or former spouse if married at that time), the immigrant was under 21 when their mother or father’s visa petition was filed, and the petition was “approvable when filed” (either shown by an approval notice or if pending, underlying proof of qualification for the visa status).
For example, if Juan was 19 years old in April 2001 and his mom’s (who is also illegally in the US) brother – Juan’s uncle, sponsored Juan’s mother for an immigrant visa based on the brother/sister relationship by April 30, 2001, Juan would be able to use that old filing to “grandfather” under the expired provision of 245(i), assuming he hasn’t left the US, to file a new case based on marriage to a US citizen and will be able to get his green card in the US without having to leave to consular process even though Juan entered the US illegally.
Important: Figuring out if you qualify for 245(i) grandfathering can be complicated. Always consult an attorney to determine if this option is available to you and never leave the US after a period of illegal presence until you consult with at least one competent immigration attorney so you know your options and any potential consequences of your departure.
Attorney Heather L. Poole practices exclusively in the area of U.S. family-based immigration law and citizenship law. Heather is a nationally-published immigration author, frequent lecturer on immigration issues, and member & officer of the American Immigration Lawyers Association’s Southern California Chapter. For more information about Heather and the services offered, visit www.humanrightsattorney.com
Hi, I’ve been told i qualify for the grandfathering 245i. My case is the same exact as “juans” but my moms approval letter was never received. She called and was told it was approved. So in order for my husband a USC to file for me, must I have the approval letter with me or would the 130 receipt sent before April 2001 be enough?
You should always consult a licensed and experienced immigration attorney about whether you can qualify for 245(i) grandfathering. Generally, an I-130 receipt may not be enough; it depends on whether the case was “approvable when filed” and district offices vary as to how much they look into this requirement (i.e., was the necessary relationship there? was fraud implicated? if denied, why?). Plus, if you are not the direct beneficiary of the I-130 (i.e., your spouse or parent filed for you), then you may have difficulty proving grandfathering as a derivative. Always consult an attorney about your particular situation and the attorney will have more time to discuss your facts in detail. Good luck!