Under 21 and unmarried
You must be under 21 and unmarried at the time of the USCIS filing.
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
Protection and a path forward for immigrant youth.
SIJS is available to immigrant children under 21 who are present in the U.S. and have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents. It's a pathway to permanent residency that requires state family court findings alongside federal immigration relief.
Eligibility requirements
Juvenile court dependency
A juvenile or family court must have declared you dependent or placed you under guardianship.
Parental unfitness
Reunification with one or both parents is not viable due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
Not in your best interest to return
The court has found it's not in your best interest to be returned to your home country.
The three-step process
1. State court order
Obtain guardianship and Special Findings Order from juvenile or family court.
2. I-360 petition
File with USCIS, along with I-765 employment authorization.
3. I-485 adjustment
Apply for permanent residency (timing depends on priority dates).
Documentation
What your petition includes.
- Personal statement from the child
- Birth certificate
- Guardianship orders and Special Findings Order
- Corroborating statements from family members
- Medical examination (G-693)
- Evidence of parental abuse, neglect, or abandonment
Direct representation
You work directly with an attorney.
Our clients work directly with an attorney from the initial consultation through the resolution of the case. We emphasize clear communication and a personal approach — responsive, proactive, and straight with you about what's possible.