Can I still apply for a green card as an immediate relative even if I’ve fallen out of status?
I’ve been sponsored as an immediate relative. I entered the U.S. by plane. In the meantime, I was unable to maintain my status and became out of status — I’d like to know if I can still apply for a green card.
For immediate-relative-based sponsorship, the sponsored relative can still apply even if they entered the U.S. lawfully but later fell out of status. However, for family-based sponsorship outside the immediate relative category, you must maintain lawful status up until you file I-485 (the green card application).