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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

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.

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.