A 245(i) family-based petition is simply an I-130 petition that was filed on or before April 30, 2001. “245(i)” is simply the name of the section of law that allows certain immigrants who would not other qualify to still get their residency if they pay a $1,000 fee.
The most common examples relate to immigrants who last entered the U.S. illegally without inspection. Most immigrants who entered without inspection do not qualify to attend their green card interview in the United States. Instead, they must leave the U.S. and go back to their country for an interview at a U.S. consulate abroad. But if someone has an I-130 petition that was filed on their behalf, on or before April 30, 2001, they may qualify to obtain residency and have a green card issued without ever having to leave the U.S.
Some immigrants can qualify under this law even though they weren’t directly petitioned. For example, some immigrants were children when a U.S. citizen aunt or uncle petitioned their parent. That immigrant child could also qualify for benefits under 245(i) through the petition filed by their aunt or uncle. Immigrants may also qualify for 245(i) benefits if they were sponsored by an employer on or before April 30, 2001.