{"id":352766,"date":"2022-08-19T07:42:47","date_gmt":"2022-08-19T12:42:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/immigration\/deportation-removal\/cancellation-of-removal.html"},"modified":"2025-09-18T14:04:56","modified_gmt":"2025-09-18T19:04:56","slug":"cancellation-of-removal","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/deportation-removal\/cancellation-of-removal.html","title":{"rendered":"Stopping a Deportation: Cancellation of Removal"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Stopping a Deportation: Cancellation of Removal<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Cancellation of removal<\/span> is a legal process that allows certain noncitizens<\/span> to avoid deportation<\/span>. This discretionary relief is available to lawful permanent residents<\/span> and qualifying non-citizens<\/span>. Immigration judges<\/span> consider each case individually. They look at factors like length of residence, criminal history<\/span>, and the effect of removal on qualifying family members<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Even if removal proceedings<\/span> start and someone faces deportation<\/span>, it’s important to know there are ways they can try to legally stay in the United States. These legal options are known as relief from removal<\/a>.<\/p>\n

One type of relief is cancellation of removal<\/span>. This benefit allows eligible individuals to request another chance to obtain legal status. In this article, we’ll explain what cancellation of removal<\/span> is and who can apply for it.<\/p>\n

If you or someone you know is facing removal proceedings<\/span>, it is best to seek legal advice from an experienced immigration attorney<\/a>. They can assess your case and help defend against a deportation. Talking to an immigration lawyer is completely confidential and safe, regardless of your current immigration status<\/span>.<\/p>\n

What Is Cancellation of Removal<\/span>?<\/h2>\n

Cancellation of removal<\/span> allows lawful permanent residents<\/span> (green card<\/span> holders<\/span><\/a>) and other noncitizens<\/span>\u00a0to stay in the country by filing a petition with an immigration judge<\/span>. If granted, it can stop deportation<\/span>.<\/p>\n

For eligible applicants, this type of relief could result in an adjustment of status<\/span><\/a> to lawful permanent resident<\/span> (LPR<\/span>) or allow current permanent residents to keep their immigration status<\/span>.<\/p>\n

However, to apply for this type of relief, you must meet certain conditions.<\/p>\n

Eligibility Requirements<\/span> for Cancellation of Removal<\/span><\/h2>\n

The eligibility requirements<\/span> to apply for cancellation of removal<\/span> depend on your immigration status<\/span> at the time of removal proceedings<\/span><\/a>. Let\u2019s take a look at them.<\/p>\n

Lawful Permanent Residents<\/span><\/h3>\n

For lawful permanent residents<\/span><\/a> (LPRs<\/span>), the immigration judge<\/span> may grant cancellation of removal<\/span> if the individual meets all<\/strong> of the following criteria:<\/p>\n