Special Immigrant Juvenile Status SIJ

Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJ) Status Services: Helping children gain U.S. residency

When immigrant children are abandoned, abused, or neglected by one or both parents, they may qualify for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) — a unique immigration pathway that offers protection and a chance to obtain lawful permanent residence (a green card).

SIJS is a humanitarian option for vulnerable children already in the U.S. who cannot safely reunite with one or both parents. In this post, we explain how SIJS works, who qualifies, and how our firm helps children and their guardians through every step of the process.

What Is Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)?

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) is a federal immigration benefit available to certain undocumented children in the U.S. who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned.

To apply, the child must first obtain a state court order finding that it is not in their best interest to return to their home country and that reunification with one or both parents is not possible due to mistreatment.

Once this order is in place, the child may apply for SIJS with USCIS and, if approved, eventually apply for a green card.

Who Qualifies for SIJS?

A child may qualify for SIJS if they:

• Are under 21 at the time of filing

• Are unmarried

• Are physically present in the United States

• Have a juvenile court order (dependency, custody, or guardianship) showing:

  • They cannot reunify with one or both parents due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment

  • Returning to their home country is not in their best interest

How the Process Works

• File a petition in state juvenile or family court to obtain an order of dependency, custody, or guardianship

• Include findings about parental abuse, neglect, abandonment, and best interest

• Once the state court order is granted, file Form I-360 with USCIS

• Wait for SIJS classification approval

• If eligible, file Form I-485 to apply for lawful permanent residence (green card)

Note: Some children may need to wait for a visa number to become available before filing Form I-485, depending on their country of origin.

Why SIJS Matters

Many undocumented children in the U.S. are here through no fault of their own — fleeing violence, separation, or mistreatment. SIJS:

• Protects children from deportation

• Opens a path to lawful status

• Allows them to apply for a green card

• Offers stability and a future free from fear

Why Legal Help Is Critical

SIJS is a complex process involving both state courts and federal immigration law. We work closely with families, guardians, and child advocates to:

• Obtain the right juvenile court orders

• Prepare a strong SIJS petition

• Track timelines and visa availability

• File for green cards when eligible