To qualify for a Special Immigrant Juvenile Classification, applicants must meet a list of requirements outlined by the U.S. government.
Special Immigrant Juvenile Classifications
SPECIAL IMMIGRANT JUVENILE CLASSIFICATION
Special Immigrant Juvenile Classifications (SIJ) are available to immigrant children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by one or both parents and cannot be reunited with them due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
This classification provides a pathway to lawful permanent residency for vulnerable children. The application process involves obtaining findings of dependency or custody from the corresponding juvenile court, filing Form I-360 with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and demonstrating eligibility for SIJ classification.
SIJ APPLICATION PROCESS
Obtain a Dependency Order
01
The child must obtain a dependency order making specific declarations issued by a state juvenile court before the juvenile reaches the state’s age of majority.
USCIS Review of Application & Evidence
02
The applicant submits Form I-360, along with supporting documentation such as the court order, birth certificate, and evidence of parental abuse, abandonment, or neglect, to USCIS for adjudication.
File Form I-360
03
USCIS reviews the application and supporting evidence to determine whether the child qualifies for SIJ classification, which may involve requesting additional evidence or scheduling an interview.
TYPICAL SIJ TIMELINE
The processing time for SIJ applications varies.
Depending on factors such as family court processing of dependency orders, USCIS processing times of I-360 applications, the complexity of the case, and whether additional evidence or interviews are required. Applicants may experience delays if USCIS issues Requests for Evidence (RFEs) or the juvenile court order needs more information. Once the I-360 is approved and when the preference category priority date is current, SIJ applicants may proceed with the final steps of the immigration process, such as applying for adjustment of status to obtain lawful permanent residency in the U.S.
Consult with an expert immigration lawyer to ensure successful visa approval.
Working with immigration and employment experts can open doors for additional opportunities. Our team’s extensive expertise allows us to combine legal and creative strategies to ensure successful immigration and employment.
Additional Resources
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)