Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) can open a path to a green card for young people under 21 who cannot safely reunify with one or both parents because of abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
At Hayoon Kane Law Firm, we handle federal immigration cases nationwide and coordinate the state-court process with local counsel in your state, so young clients and the adults caring for them have one team guiding them through the entire process.
State Court Order
Form I-360 Petition
Work Authorization
Green Card Path
SIJS is a federal immigration classification for unmarried young people under 21 who need the protection of a state juvenile court. It combines a state-court order with a USCIS petition, and it can lead to these benefits:
Once your I-360 is approved and a visa number is available for your country, you can apply to become a lawful permanent resident.
If a green card is not yet available because of the visa backlog, USCIS may grant deferred action, which lets you apply for a work permit (EAD).
You may qualify even if reunification is not possible with only one of your parents.
Resolving status early can make jobs, internships and, once you are a permanent resident, federal student aid possible.
We run your federal case nationwide and partner with local counsel for the state-court order where you live.
You may qualify for SIJS if you meet four core requirements under federal immigration law. Each case also depends on the law of the state where the court order is issued.
Under 21
File before your birthday
USCIS must receive your I-360 petition before you turn 21.
Unmarried
Through green card
You must stay unmarried. Talk to us before any marriage plans.
Present in the U.S.
No travel abroad
You must be physically in the U.S. when you file and when USCIS decides.
Abuse
Neglect
Abandonment
A juvenile court finds reunification with a parent is not viable and returning home is not in your best interests.
SIJS has a state-court stage and a federal stage. Timing matters, because the court may lose authority over your case before you turn 21.
01
A custody, guardianship or dependency case in your state, handled with our local counsel partner.
02
We file your SIJS petition with USCIS, with the court order and supporting evidence, before you turn 21.
03
If the visa backlog delays your green card, we request deferred action and a work permit where available.
04
When a visa number is available, we prepare your adjustment of status application (Form I-485).
Start early. In many states the juvenile court can only act until age 18. Reach out well before your 21st birthday, ideally before 18.
An SIJS case has to succeed in two court systems on a strict age deadline. We manage every step so young clients and their caregivers are not facing it alone.
Review your age, state and family circumstances and explain your options.
Work with local counsel so the court order contains the findings USCIS requires.
Gather school, medical and family records and help prepare written declarations.
Prepare and file your SIJS petition with USCIS on time.
Respond to USCIS requests for evidence and track your place in the visa backlog.
File your adjustment of status as soon as a visa number becomes available.
Young people under 21, parents and guardians can all reach out. Start with an intake call with our client care team.
If you need an attorney consultation, we will explain the fee upfront. Consultations are available virtually nationwide, in English and Korean.
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