What is Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)?
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) is an immigration option for certain undocumented children and young adults in the United States who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents. SIJS can provide a pathway to a Green Card (lawful permanent residence).
Who qualifies for SIJS?
A child may qualify for SIJS if they:
- Are unmarried
- Are physically present in the United States
- Meet the age requirements under immigration law and local court rules
- Cannot reunify with one or both parents due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment
- Have a court finding that it is not in their best interest to return to their home country
Is SIJS a family law case or an immigration case?
SIJS is both. It requires:
- A family court order (custody/guardianship and required findings), and
- An immigration filing with USCIS (Form I-360 and later Form I-485, if eligible)
Because both steps are required, it is important to work with a team that understands the full process.
Do I need a family court order for SIJS?
Yes. SIJS requires a qualifying state court order with specific findings related to:
- Abuse, neglect, or abandonment
- The child’s best interests
- Custody/guardianship or other court protection
Without the court order, USCIS cannot approve SIJS.
Can SIJS lead to a Green Card?
Yes. SIJS can lead to lawful permanent residence (a Green Card). After SIJS approval, the child may be eligible to apply for a Green Card through Form I-485, depending on eligibility and visa availability.
Does SIJS give immigration status to the parent or relative helping the child?
No. SIJS is designed to protect the child and does not provide immigration benefits to the parent or relative filing on the child’s behalf. A child who receives residency through SIJS cannot later petition for any of his parents.
Do you handle SIJS cases in Washington, DC and Maryland?
Yes. Lefebvre Michel, PLLC handles SIJS cases in Washington, D.C. and Maryland, including both:
- the family court portion, and
- the immigration filings with USCIS
Do you handle SIJS cases in Virginia?
At this time, we do not handle the Virginia family court portion of SIJS cases. However, we can refer you to trusted counsel for the Virginia court step and coordinate as needed to help support the immigration process.
How long does the SIJS process take?
Timelines vary depending on:
- how quickly the family court order can be obtained, and
- USCIS processing times for the I-360 and Green Card application
Because SIJS is time-sensitive, we recommend starting as soon as possible.