*Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) helps certain children in the U.S. who cannot safely return to one or both parents due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. It can lead to a green card but requires a juvenile court order and proper USCIS filing. This page covers the basics, eligibility, and process.*

What is SIJS?

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) is a form of immigration relief that is available to certain children who are present in the United States and have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by one or both parents. It allows these children to obtain legal permanent residency in the United States.

How to Obtain SIJS?

To be eligible for SIJS, a child must meet certain criteria, including:

• Being under the age of 21;

• Being unmarried;

• Being dependent on the juvenile court or being placed under the care of a state agency or individual;

• Being unable to reunify with one or both parents due to abuse, abandonment, or neglect;

• Being deemed eligible for long-term foster care by the state juvenile court.

Obtaining SIJS can be a complex process, and it's important to work with an experienced immigration attorney who can help you navigate the process.

What is the SIJS process?

The process begins with the child being placed in the custody of the state juvenile court, which must make certain findings, including that reunification with one or both parents is not viable due to abuse, abandonment, or neglect and that it's not in the best interest of the child to be returned to his or her home country.

Once the juvenile court has made these findings, the child may be able to apply for SIJS by submitting Form I-360, Petition for Special Immigrant Juvenile, to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

It's important to note that SIJS is not guaranteed, and the final decision is made by the USCIS. In addition, the process of obtaining SIJS can be lengthy, and it's important to work with an attorney to ensure that the application is properly prepared and submitted.

SIJS is an important form of relief for children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by one or both parents. It allows these children to obtain legal permanent residency in the United States and rebuild their lives in safety and dignity. With the help of an experienced immigration attorney, it's possible to navigate the process and achieve your goal of obtaining SIJS.