SIJS
Legal protection for minors who have been abandoned or abused. SIJS is a safe pathway to residency and a future in the U.S.
Legal protection for young people who have suffered abuse, abandonment, or neglect.
Specialized legal support for minors in vulnerable situations.
The right to live, study, and build a lawful career in the U.S.
What is SIJS?
SIJS is a special immigration classification available to children and youth who have been victims of abuse, abandonment, or neglect by one or both parents in their countries of origin or in the United States.
To be eligible, a juvenile court order from a U.S. state court is required to establish the minor's situation of risk. This document attests that returning to the country of origin is not a viable option.
Through SIJS, any individual under 21 years of age obtains legal protection and may avoid deportation. The young person thus gains the right to live lawfully in the country and, subsequently, to study and build a future in the United States.
Who is SIJS for?
SIJS is a protection mechanism for children and young people under 21 years of age who reside in the United States. The focus is on those who cannot safely return to live with one or both parents.
The protection covers minors who have suffered abuse, abandonment, or neglect. t is a vital resource for those seeking stability and a fresh start in the country, ensuring that young people can live with complete peace of mind.
With SIJS approved by USCIS, the young person may become eligible to apply for a Green Card when a visa becomes available. The process allows them to grow with legal support and access to education.
Eligibility Criteria for SIJS
Under 21 years of age
The applicant must be unmarried and under 21 years of age at the time of filing the special immigrant juvenile status petition with the government.
Residing in the U.S.
The youth must be residing in the United States throughout the entire SIJS application process.
Valid juvenile court order
A U.S. juvenile court must declare that the young person is vulnerable and that returning to their country of origin is unsafe.
Inability to return
It must be established that reunification with one or both parents is not viable due to a history of abuse, abandonment, or neglect.
Secure the future of those you need to protect most. Our team specializes in SIJS cases. Schedule a consultation with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does SIJS stand for?
SIJS stands for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.It is a legal mechanism created by the U.S. Congress to protect children and youth who have been victims of abuse, abandonment, or neglect by one or both parents. SIJS provides a legal pathway to lawful permanent residence in the United States (Green Card).
How does SIJS work?
First, it is necessary to obtain an order from a U.S. state court declaring that the minor has suffered abuse, abandonment, or neglect by one or both parents and that returning to the country of origin is not viable. With this order in hand, the minor can file an application for SIJS with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
How to Apply for SIJS?
The application requires filing Form I-360 with USCIS, accompanied by the state court order issued by a U.S. court and additional supporting documents. It is essential that the young person be under 21 years of age and unmarried at the time the petition is filed. Following the approval of the I-360, the next step is adjustment of status to obtain a Green Card, subject to visa availability.
How long does the SIJS process take?
The total processing time varies depending on the jurisdiction of the state court and USCIS processing times. The initial court phase may take several months. The adjudication of Form I-360 by USCIS typically takes an average of six months to two years. It is important to monitor the Visa Bulletin to determine when the Green Card may be requested following approval of the petition.
How much does a SIJS case cost?
The total cost varies depending on the state and the complexity of the case. The main costs include certain fees, such as state court fees (which vary by jurisdiction). It is worth noting that many young people in vulnerable situations may request a full waiver of government fees by demonstrating financial hardship.
Why hire an immigration law firm for SIJS?
Although it involves costs, hiring a law firm specializing in U.S. immigration ensures that every stage of the SIJS process is handled with the care and precision necessary to avoid unfavorable outcomes and secure the minor's future in the United States.
A specialized law firm ensures that the state court order meets all USCIS technical requirements, avoiding denials and delays. Furthermore, having experienced attorneys provides the assurance that the youth's future will be protected with legal rigor, minimizing the risk of deportation and critical documentation errors.
Understanding the Steps to Your Green Card
Eligibility Assessment
A precise evaluation of your profile, conducted at no cost to you, as part of our commitment to transparency. We assess whether you meet the rigorous criteria established by U.S. immigration law (USCIS) to apply for a Green Card.
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Meeting with a Specialist
We review every detail of your profile and analyze the specifics of your case to determine the best visa option for you. We answer your questions and manage expectations so you have full clarity and confidence before we begin building your case.
Legal Strategy Development
The legal expertise behind the Green Card process is what determines the strength of a case. We develop a detailed technical narrative focused on transforming your background and qualifications into persuasive arguments for review by the USCIS officer.
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Document Collection
We provide comprehensive support in organizing the evidence that truly carries weight in the U.S. immigration process. We work alongside you to ensure that the documentation presented accurately supports the legal argument developed for your case.
Filing the Application
This is the final stage of preparation. We consolidate the strategy and documentation into a robust dossier and formally file your U.S. immigration application with the relevant authorities, officially beginning your legal journey on American soil.
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Post-Filing Follow-Up
Our commitment is to provide full transparency on the progress of your journey toward the Green Card. We monitor every status update with USCIS and act swiftly on any additional requests, ensuring proactive case management through to the final decision.
Green Card in Hand
The definitive achievement of your U.S. immigration journey. The United States is no longer a dream but your new home. You and your family gain the right to live, work, and thrive in the country, with all the benefits of a global citizen.
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We are truly committed to the protection of minors in the U.S. We handle every legal detail to ensure your family's safety.
Far more than just immigration processes, we bring life plans to life
Higor Medeiros
Excellent service. A meeting where they patiently explained our options for immigrating to the USA. We were very satisfied and would definitely recommend YOUSA.
Maria Luísa Moreno
Excellent service! They answered all my questions with great patience and dedication. I started my process with YOUSA and recommend them to anyone looking for a trustworthy attorney.
Maila Fernandes
We had a consultation with Dr. Otávio and he was extremely professional and insightful. We hired YOUSA confident that we are well advised to succeed in our case.
Leandro Alves Duarte
YOUSA is a very honest and serious firm. It has excellent staff who are also very personable. Congratulations on the outstanding work.
Avoid irreversible denials in the SIJS process. Count on experienced attorneys to safeguard your rights in the United States.
Otavio Haverroth Silva
Attorney at law
We believe that connecting skilled immigrants is a transformative force for the development of the United States.
We are committed to your dream of living in the United States. Your U.S. immigration journey is what drives our everyday work.
We are selective about the cases we take
We believe in immigration cases with a legitimate background and a realistic chance of approval. That is our priority.
We operate with transparency
We work to transform the complexity of each case into a smoother and more transparent journey for our clients.
We take care of everything for you
We listen to your story, understand your dream, develop a legal strategy, and support you until you receive your Green Card.
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