The Legal Immigration Family Equity Act (LIFE Act), otherwise known as 245i allows immigrants with an immigrant visa immediately available to gain legal status despite entering in the U.S. illegally if they pay a $1,000 penalty. The LIFE Act extends the eligibility to April 30, 2001. It was previously limited January 14, 1998. In order to qualify today, someone must have applied for an qualifying immigration petition by April 30, 2001.