What is a Grandfathered Alien? A Comprehensive Legal Overview

Q: Can my family members also be considered grandfathered aliens?

Yes, if you are a grandfathered alien, your spouse and children may also qualify if they meet certain criteria.

Q: What should I do if I think I qualify?

Review your immigration documents and consult with an immigration attorney for guidance on your status.

Definition & Meaning

A "grandfathered alien" refers to an individual who has specific immigration status based on certain petitions or applications filed before April 30, 2001. This term is defined in U.S. immigration regulations and includes individuals who are beneficiaries of:

A petition for classification under section 204 of the Immigration and Nationality Act that was properly filed with the Attorney General and was approvable at the time of filing.
An application for labor certification under section 212(a)(5)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act that was properly filed with the Secretary of Labor and was approvable at the time of filing.

Table of content

Legal Use & context

The term "grandfathered alien" is primarily used in immigration law. It is relevant for individuals seeking permanent residency in the United States under specific conditions. Legal practitioners often reference this term when advising clients on immigration status and eligibility for adjustment of status. Users can manage their applications using legal templates available through US Legal Forms, which are drafted by qualified attorneys.

Key legal elements

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A person who filed an employment-based petition for a green card on March 15, 2001, and received approval later qualifies as a grandfathered alien.

Example 2: A spouse of an individual who applied for labor certification on April 20, 2001, may also be considered a grandfathered alien if they are eligible to receive a visa under the relevant section of the Act.

Relevant laws & statutes

The primary legal references for the term "grandfathered alien" include:

8 CFR 1245.10(a)(1)(i) - Adjustment of Status regulations under the Department of Justice.
8 CFR 245.10(a)(1)(i) - Adjustment of Status regulations under the Department of Homeland Security.

Comparison with related terms

Term	Definition	Difference
Grandfathered Alien	An individual with a petition/application filed before April 30, 2001.	Specific to pre-April 30, 2001 filings.
Adjustment of Status	The process of changing from a non-immigrant to a permanent resident.	Broader term; not limited to pre-April 30, 2001 filings.
Beneficiary	A person eligible to receive benefits from a petition or application.	Can refer to any eligible applicant, not limited to grandfathered aliens.

Common misunderstandings

What to do if this term applies to you

If you believe you may qualify as a grandfathered alien, consider the following steps:

Review your immigration petition or labor certification application to confirm the filing date and approval status.
Consult with an immigration attorney to understand your options and the implications of your status.
Explore US Legal Forms for templates that can assist you in managing your immigration paperwork.

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Quick facts

Fact	Details
Eligibility Date	Filed on or before April 30, 2001
Legal References	8 CFR 1245.10, 8 CFR 245.10
Beneficiary Inclusion	Includes spouse and children if eligible

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

What is a grandfathered alien?

A grandfathered alien is someone with an immigration petition or labor certification filed before April 30, 2001, that was approvable at the time of filing.