245(i) Adjustment

Section 245(i) is a provision allowing certain individuals who are in the U.S. without proper authorization, or who have incomplete immigration paperwork, to apply for permanent residence (a green card) without leaving the country. Typically, they must have filed or been eligible to file a family-based or employment-based visa petition before April 30, 2001. This provision requires paying an additional penalty fee and meeting specific eligibility criteria. Essentially, 245(i) provides an alternative route to legal status for certain individuals who missed earlier deadlines, helping them regularize their stay while avoiding the need to leave the U.S. and face potential bar periods.