READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?
If you know a foreign-born youth under 21 who has been abused, abandoned, or neglected, contact us for SIJ evaluation.
Call: 212-571-6002 | WhatsApp Available | GreenCardMaker.com
Overview
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJ) protects vulnerable foreign-born youth who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by one or both parents. SIJ requires both state court findings (juvenile, family, or probate court order) and USCIS approval. SIJ leads to a green card under the EB-4 special immigrant category.
Eligibility Requirements
Under 21 and unmarried; physically present in U.S.; state court order finding: (1) child cannot reunify with one or both parents due to abuse, abandonment, neglect, or similar; (2) reunification is not viable; (3) it is not in the child's best interest to return to home country; and admissibility.
Application Process
Step 1: Obtain qualifying state court order from juvenile, family, or probate court. Step 2: File Form I-360 with USCIS. Step 3: Upon approval, file I-485 if priority date current (EB-4 has had backlogs in recent years).
Required Documentation
Required: state court order with all three required findings; child's birth certificate; identity documents; evidence of abuse/abandonment/neglect; and consistency between state court findings and USCIS standards.
Government Filing Fees
Generally no fee; biometrics fee.
Processing Timeline
State court process: months to years depending on jurisdiction; I-360 6–12 months; I-485 wait depends on EB-4 priority date.
Why Choose Our Firm
We represent vulnerable youth in SIJ cases — coordinating with state family courts, child welfare agencies, and pro bono partners to obtain qualifying orders and pursue green cards.
