My friend filed his I-140 in March 2001, and got I-485 approved last month. He has been in US since 1996. He found in Feb 2002 that he was out of status since Jan 1, 2002. He tried to fix it but just now INS denied his application. He is considering going back to home country now to apply for H-1B visa or do CP, because in June end he will be out of status for 6 months and thus trigger the 3-year bar. But He just found he might be able to take the 245i and file I-485 directly. I know that 245i said if you were in US on 12/18/00, and filed GC application (LC or I-140) before 4/30/01, you will be OK to get the GC even you are out of status. Now the question is that should the out of status start before 4/30/01?? My friend was out of status on 1/1/02. Can he still use the 245i?? Please help, as time is limited to decide whether go home now or stay to file 485.