Caring Legal Support for Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJ)
At MCD Immigration Law, P.C., we help young immigrants in the U.S. who have experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment by one or both parents apply for Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status—a possible path to legal residency and a green card.
We help eligible youth navigate the steps within the SIJ process: obtain a state court order of protection, apply for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, apply for a green card, and work toward U.S. citizenship. Because SIJ-based green card applications can be complex, it’s wise to consult with an immigration attorney. We can help ensure your paperwork is complete, your timing is right, and your rights are protected throughout the process.
At MCD Immigration Law, P.C., we support young immigrants in the U.S. who have experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment by a parent. Through Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status, a vital form of legal relief for those under juvenile court protection, we help eligible youth gain lawful status, apply for a green card, and work toward U.S. citizenship.
To be eligible for SIJ status, you must meet the following criteria:
Who Qualifies for SIJ Status?
To be eligible for SIJ status, you must meet the following criteria:
Be under 21 years old
Reside in the U.S.
Remain unmarried throughout the application process and USCIS decision period
Have a state court order that declares your dependency on the court or custody of a state agency, and confirms that reunification with one or both parents is not viable due to abuse, abandonment, neglect, or similar reasons under state law, and that it would not be in your best interest to return to your and your parents’ home country.
How Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) Status Can Lead to a Green Card
If you’ve been granted Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status, you may be eligible to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States. This is a major step toward building a stable future, and it begins with filing Form I-485, the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status..
Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant. You must submit your Form I-360 to USCIS before your 21st birthday.
Proof of age, which may include a birth certificate, passport, or other official documents
A valid state court order with the necessary determinations and supporting evidence
Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, if you have a lawyer
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Visas available for Special Immigrant Juveniles to apply for their green card have annual limits, and visa availability can vary depending on your country of origin. It is important to consult with a knowledgeable immigration attorney to know when you are eligible to apply for a green card after obtaining SIJ status.
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Form I-485 is your official request to adjust your immigration status to that of a green card holder. You’ll need to include supporting documents such as your SIJ approval notice, birth certificate, and any other forms required by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
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Once your green card is approved, you’ll gain:
The right to live and work permanently in the U.S.
Access to certain federal benefits and protections
The ability to eventually apply for U.S. citizenship, if you choose
If you’ve been granted Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status, you may be eligible to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States. This is a major step toward building a stable future, and it begins with filing Form I-485, the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status..