SIJS immigration is an option for undocumented immigrants under 21 years of age to legalize their immigration status in the United States of America. The Special Immigrant Juvenile Status was founded in 1990 to protect vulnerable immigrant children who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents.
The SIJS process can be complicated, but in most cases, it’s a proven and effective way for eligible children to obtain a Green Card.
Those seeking to apply for SIJ immigration must be able to prove:
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They are living in the United States.
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They are unmarried.
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They have a juvenile court order issued by a state court and are dependent of a state agency or department.
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That is not in the best interest of the minor to go back to the country of origin and be reunited with either parent.
Contact our team today to schedule a confidential consultation to evaluate your chances to apply for a Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
- When an SIJS is approved, the minor is granted permanent resident status to live and work permanently in the United States, get access to financial aid for college, and freely travel outside of the United States.
- There are public benefits the minor is entitled to and may apply for US citizenship five years after becoming a lawful permanent resident of the United States.
- SIJ beneficiaries can remain in the United States legally and obtain the same benefits a permanent resident would. This includes lower education tuition fees than an international student and the right to work in the country.
A SPECIAL IMMIGRANT JUVENILE STATUS?
- Form I-360
- Form G-28
- An official document that proves you are under 21 years of age. This could be your passport, birth certificate, or an identification card issued by a foreign country.
- A valid juvenile order with evidence to support their determination.
- Written consent from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
SIJS FACTS
- In October of 2019, USCIS adapted multiple changes to the policy manual on Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) petitions.
- In October of 2019, USCIS adapted multiple changes to the policy manual on Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) petitions.