United States · Immigration54
Cancellation of Removal for Nonpermanent Residents
A defense available only in immigration court: a judge may grant a Green Card to a person with ten years of continuous physical presence, good moral character, and a qualifying U.S. citizen or resident relative who would suffer exceptional and extremely unusual hardship.
Currently available · Editorial record dated 10/20/2026 · Not lawyer review or an eligibility decision. Check current official instructions.
Who this is for
People in removal proceedings with ten years of presence and a qualifying relative — this cannot be applied for affirmatively.
Only available as a defense in immigration court, and annual grants are capped by statute.
Common problems
The hardship standard
Most cases fail on hardship; detailed evidence about the qualifying relative’s medical, educational and financial circumstances is essential.