Visa:
SIJS

The Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) visa is a form of protection for minors who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents. This visa allows these young individuals to obtain permanent residency in the United States.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for SIJS, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:

Age

It is necessary to be under 21 years old at the time of filing the petition.

Marital Status

The applicant must be single.

Judicial Decision

The applicant must have an order from a U.S. state court determining that they are dependent on the court, or have been placed under the custody of a state agency or department, or an individual or entity appointed by the court.

Abuse, Neglect, or Abandonment

The court must have determined that the minor was abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents, or is subject to a similar condition under state law.

Best Interest

The court must conclude that it is not in the minor's best interest to return to their home country or the country where their parents previously resided.

Speak with a YOUSA Attorney

Step-by-step guide to your Green Card

Eligibility

We will evaluate your background and experiences to begin developing your case strategy.

Document Collection

We will guide and support you in gathering all the essential documents for the immigration process.

Strategy Development

Our attorneys will design the best strategy for obtaining your Green Card.

Petition Submission

YOUSA will handle the entire process for securing your Green Card, including communication with the U.S. court.

Case Monitoring

We will track the progress of your case from start to finish and keep you informed of every development.

Final Decision

After reviewing your application, USCIS will issue a decision on your visa request.

Otávio Haverroth Silva
Attorney at law

YOUSA Experience

We are a law firm specialized in immigration law, led by attorney Dr. Otávio Haverroth Silva, who is licensed by both the California Bar Association and the Brazilian Bar Association. Additionally, we are a member of AILA (American Immigration Lawyers Association), ensuring that our immigration practices are always aligned with the latest U.S. policies and regulations

Otávio Haverroth Silva
Attorney at law

Our clients

Excellent service. We found the firm through a recommendation. We had a video call meeting where Dr. Karine patiently explained to us the possible immigration options for the U.S. and attentively clarified all our questions. Very satisfied. I recommend it.

Higor Medeiros

Excellent service! Dr. Otávio Answered all my questions with great patience and dedication, which is essential when choosing a lawyer. I started my process with them and I recommend them to all my friends seeking a trustworthy, intelligent, and assertive attorney.

Maria Luísa Moreno

We had a consultation with Dr. Otávio, and he was extremely professional and insightful. He answered all our questions and presented us with the most appropriate action plans. After this consultation, we decided to hire HS Law Corp services with the confidence that we are working with a responsible team that will do everything possible for the success of our case.

Maila Fernandes

We take care of everything for you. YOUSA understands all immigration processes to ensure the success of your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. If you have children or a spouse abroad who were included in the initial petition, they will need to apply for visas to enter the United States.

Yes, it is possible to change status while the U Visa is pending. However, it is important to follow some guidelines to ensure that the change does not disrupt order processing:

  1. Notify USCIS:
    • Report any change of address to USCIS within 10 days of the move. This can be done online using form AR-11 (Change of Address) available on the USCIS website.
  2. Maintain Communication:
    • Please ensure that all communications from USCIS, including notifications and requests for additional documentation, can be forwarded to your new address.
  3. Monitor the Case:
    • Changing states should not negatively affect the processing of your application, but it is crucial to closely monitor the status of your case and any correspondence from USCIS.


Following these steps will help ensure your change of status goes smoothly in processing your U Visa.

Yes, an immigrant can leave the United States while in the process of obtaining a U visa, but they must exercise caution and be aware of some important considerations. The U visa is intended for victims of certain crimes who have helped or are helping authorities in investigating or prosecuting those crimes.

Here are some crucial points to consider:

  1. Travel Authorization: While the U visa application is pending, the immigrant must apply for a travel authorization, known as an “Advance Parole,” before leaving the US. Without this authorization, leaving the US could be interpreted as abandoning the U visa application.
  2. Reentry Risks: Even with “Advance Parole”, there is always a risk when trying to re-enter the US. Admission into the country is subject to the discretion of the immigration officer at the border.

     

Therefore, although it is possible to travel outside the United States while awaiting U visa processing, it is essential to do so with caution and due legal preparation to avoid compromising the process.

Failure to cooperate may result in denial or revocation of the U-VISA.

Yes, spouses, children under 21, and, if the applicant is under 21, parents and siblings under 18.

After the U-Visa process is approved, and after 3 years of continuous presence in the USA with the U-Visa, the petitioner can apply for permanent residence (green card).

No. The process is confidential and the attacker is not notified.

Yes, children under 21 can be included as dependents.

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