A Path to Legal Status for Vulnerable
Minors (SIJS)
Start your journey toward a Green Card with a special program for young people
who have been harmed or abandoned.
- Stay Safely in the U.S.: Get the legal protection you need to stop worrying about deportation and start building your future.
- No Parent Needed: You can apply for this status on your own, even if your parents are not able to support you or are not here.
- Permission to Work: Once you start the process, we help you apply for a work permit so you can support yourself legally.
The Law Offices of Alice Antonovsky provides assistance with Special Immigrant Juvenile Status applications for undocumented minors who have been neglected or abandoned by their parents.
What Is The Special Immigrant Juvenile Status?
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:
They are living in the United States.
They are unmarried.
They have a juvenile court order issued by a state court and are dependent of a state agency or department.
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.
Contact Our Team To Schedule A Confidential Consultation
Benefits of the 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.
BOOK A CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION TO ASSESS YOUR SIJS ELIGIBILITY
Here at The Law Offices of Alice Antonovsky, we understand legalizing your status can be a stressful process. Our goal is to provide honest and reliable advice to help you reach the best possible outcome. Schedule a confidential consultation now and we will evaluate your options and whether you meet the requirements for an SIJS. You can either book an online consultation or an in person one at our Brooklyn office. We’re located at 626 Sheepshead Bay Road, Suite 630 (at W. 6th St), Brooklyn, New York 11224.
BOOK YOUR 45-MIN CONSULTATION NOW
WHAT WILL YOU NEED TO APPLY FOR 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.
Source: Exclusive: For migrant youths claiming abuse,
U.S. protection can be elusive | Reuters
SIJS IMMIGRATION THROUGH THE YEARS
3 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE SPECIAL IMMIGRANT JUVENILE STATUS
1 WHAT IS SIJS?
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status is a program established back in 1990 for young immigrants under 21 years of age that have suffered abuse, neglect or abandonment from their families back in their home country. If your case is approved, you will be able to apply for a US Green Card.
2 YOU’LL NEED TO
Be living in the United States, have a valid juvenile court order issued by a state court and be a dependent of a state agency or department. You must also prove that you cannot be reunified with your parents, and that it is not in your best interest to go back to your country of origin.
3 HOW TO APPLY
You will have to file an I-360 form, which can be filled out by you or your guardian. You cannot be married or get married while the application is being processed, otherwise it will be denied. Once you qualify for SIJS, your parents will not be able to apply for a residence permit in the US through you as a sponsor.
SPECIAL IMMIGRANT JUVINILE STATUS F.A.Q.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A SPECIAL IMMIGRANT JUVENILE STATUS?
To be eligible for the SIJS status, the applicant must be:
- Under 21 years old and not married.
- Living within the United States.
- Have a court order stating that the minor is either dependent on the court, in the custody of a state agency, or an individual or entity appointed by the court.
- The petitioner cannot be reunified with his or her parents.
IN WHAT LIVING CONDITIONS SHOULD AN SIJS APPLICANT BE?
- Within the welfare system
- In the custody of a federal agency due to their undocumented status.
- Living with a foster family.
- Living with the non-abusive custodial parent.
Are there SIJS eligibility exceptions?
If the minor is adopted or placed in a permanent guardianship, or aged out of the juvenile court’s jurisdiction, they can be considered exceptions. This means the applicant can proceed without having to prove a court order under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court.
How To Apply for a Special Immigrant Juvenile Status?
You will have to file an I-360 form, which can be filled out by you or your guardian. You cannot be married or get married while the application is being processed, otherwise it will be denied. Once you qualify for SIJS, your parents will not be able to apply for a residence permit in the US through you as a sponsor. If you are ready to apply, or have any questions, call our office for a confidential consultation.
WHAT WILL YOU NEED TO APPLY FOR 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
Adriana Sanchez
As an illegal immigrant, I hired Alice Antonovsky to help me fix my migratory situation. I had followed some bad advice in the past and really wanted to come clean with immigration authorities. Ms. Antonovsky was very helpful and helped me understand there was still a chance for my family to stay together. Thank you!
Pat Rajender
I escaped a violent past from a very unstable family a few years ago. Coming to the United States was my survival option. Being here, I met people who helped me out in different ways. They advised me to get a professional assessment on my immigration situation. Luckily, I went to Alice for help and she did not disappoint. I can absolutely recommend her legal services.
José Hernandez
I contacted Alice Antonovsky when I needed help understanding my migratory status. She helped me find the most suitable program to apply for and I am now a legal permanent resident. Thank you for your help!
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