Supplement A — Adjustment Pursuant to Section 245(i) [Form I-485]

A unique opportunity to obtain your residence within the United States

Did you enter the United States without a visa or with an unauthorized entry, but have family members or employers who filed an immigration petition before April 2001?
You could qualify to adjust your status under Section 245(i), a special provision that allows certain immigrants to obtain permanent residence without leaving the country.

Table of Contents

• What is Section 245(i)?
• Who can benefit from this law?
• Main requirements to qualify
• The role of Supplement A to Form I-485
• Step-by-step process
• Common mistakes and important warnings
• Why choose Legalízate Ya?
• 📞 Contact us today

What is Section 245(i)?

Section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) allows certain immigrants to adjust their status to permanent resident (Green Card) within the United States even if they entered without inspection or in an unauthorized manner, provided that:

• They are “grandfathered” under a family or employment petition filed on or before April 30, 2001, and
• They were physically present in the U.S. on December 21, 2000 (if the petition was filed between January 15, 1998, and April 30, 2001).

Who can benefit from this law?

The following individuals can benefit from Law 245(i):

• Immigrants who entered without a visa (without inspection) and have a family petition (Form I-130) or employment petition (Form I-140) filed on or before April 30, 2001.
• Principal or derivative beneficiaries (for example, spouses or minor children included in the original petition).
• People who currently have a valid or approved petition, but whose irregular entry would prevent them from adjusting status through normal channels.

Main requirements to qualify

To benefit from Section 245(i) and complete Supplement A to Form I-485, you must meet the following:

• Have an immigrant petition (I-130, I-140, or I-360) or Labor Certification (ETA-750) filed on or before April 30, 2001.
• If the petition was filed after January 14, 1998, you must have been physically present in the United States on December 21, 2000.
• Have a valid basis for adjusting (e.g., being the spouse, parent, or child of a U.S. citizen or resident, or having an approved job offer).
• Pay the penalty required by law 245(i), currently $1,000, in addition to the standard Form I-485 fees.

The role of Supplement A to Form I-485

Supplement A to Form I-485 is an additional document attached when a person seeks to adjust status under Section 245(i).

This supplement informs USCIS that the applicant is covered by this special provision and that, although their initial entry was irregular, they have the legal right to apply for residence within the country.

This form requires information about:

• The original petition granting the benefit (case number, filing date, category).
• Evidence of physical presence (if applicable).
• The additional payment of the penalty required by law.

Step-by-step process

1. Eligibility assessment: Confirm that a petition existed filed on time (before April 30, 2001).
2. Preparation of the adjustment application (Form I-485) together with Supplement A.
3. Gather evidence of physical presence and family or employment ties.
4. Submit the complete application to USCIS with the corresponding payments.
5. Biometrics appointment and possible adjustment of status interview.
6. If approved, you will receive your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) without having had to leave the U.S.

Common mistakes and important warnings

• Thinking that any old petition automatically grants 245(i) protection; it must have been correctly filed and accepted by the government.
• Not including sufficient evidence of physical presence in 2000 (if applicable).
• Confusing Supplement A with the main Form I-485.
• Not paying the additional $1,000 penalty, a mandatory requirement.

👉 Each case under 245(i) is different. A professional legal review can determine if you or your family are protected under this special law.

Why choose Legalízate Ya?

At Legalízate Ya, we understand that Law 245(i) has been a hope for thousands of immigrants who have been building their lives in the United States for years.
Our legal team has nearly 30 years of combined experience helping families regularize their status through this unique benefit.

We analyze your immigration history, verify if your petition qualifies under 245(i), and guide you step-by-step to present a complete, clear, and successful case.

📞 Contact us today

Do you think you might be protected under Law 245(i)?
Don’t miss the opportunity to adjust your status without leaving the country.

Call us today at (956) 725-9714 or visit www.legalizateya.com/en to schedule your consultation.

Legalízate Ya — helping immigrants turn opportunities into permanent residence.