Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) Status (Form I-360)
Victoria Barr Law provides compassionate legal assistance for minors seeking Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) Status through Form I-360, ensuring safety and stability in the U.S.
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What Is Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) Status?
Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) Status is a legal classification that provides a pathway to permanent residency for minors who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by one or both parents. It allows them to apply for a green card and secure a stable future in the U.S.
Who Qualifies for SIJ Status?
- Minors Under Age 21: Applicants must be under 21 years of age at the time of application.
- Unmarried Applicants: Applicants must be unmarried when applying for SIJ status.
- Juvenile Court Findings: A U.S. juvenile court must declare the applicant dependent due to abuse, abandonment, or neglect.
- Best Interest Requirement: The court must determine that returning to the applicant’s home country is not in their best interest.
Required Documents for Form I-360
- Completed Form I-360 (Petition for Special Immigrant Juvenile)
- Certified copy of the juvenile court order
- Proof of age (birth certificate or passport)
- Declaration of dependency or guardianship
- Supporting evidence of abuse, abandonment, or neglect
- Filing fees or fee waiver request (if applicable)
SIJ Application Process
- Juvenile Court Order: Obtain a court order declaring dependency due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
- File Form I-360: Submit the SIJ petition with supporting documents to USCIS.
- USCIS Review: USCIS reviews the petition, including the court order and personal affidavits.
- Receive Approval Notice: If approved, the applicant becomes eligible to apply for lawful permanent residency.
- Green Card Application: File Form I-485 to adjust status to permanent resident, if eligible.
Why Choose Victoria Barr Law?
- Compassionate Legal Advocacy: We understand the sensitive nature of SIJ cases and provide supportive representation.
- Comprehensive Case Preparation: We prepare court filings, USCIS petitions, and supporting documentation thoroughly.
- Representation Before Courts & USCIS: We represent clients throughout the juvenile court and USCIS application process.
- Bilingual Legal Services: We offer services in both English and Spanish to ensure clear communication and personalized support.
Secure Your Future with SIJ Status
Our experienced attorneys are ready to assist with your Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) application. Contact us for a personalized consultation today.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) Status (I-360)
Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status is an immigration classification that provides a pathway to lawful permanent residency for minors in the U.S. who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents.
To qualify, you must be under 21, unmarried, physically present in the U.S., and have a juvenile court order determining that you were abused, neglected, or abandoned and that returning to your home country is not in your best interest.
You must file Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, along with a valid juvenile court order and supporting evidence, with USCIS.
You need a juvenile court order that addresses custody, abuse, neglect, or abandonment and states that it is not in your best interest to return to your home country.
Yes, after SIJ status is approved, you may apply for adjustment of status (Form I-485) to obtain a Green Card when a visa number becomes available.
No, SIJ status does not allow you to petition for your parents. It only provides immigration benefits to the applicant.
The juvenile court determines if you were abused, neglected, or abandoned and issues a custody or guardianship order that supports your SIJ eligibility.
Processing times for SIJ petitions vary but generally take 6 to 12 months, depending on USCIS workload and case complexity.
Yes, you can file an appeal or motion to reopen or reconsider the decision within the timeframe stated on your denial notice.
You cannot work while your SIJ application is pending unless you qualify for work authorization through another immigration benefit.