“If you are in the United States and need the protection of a juvenile court because you have been abused, abandoned or neglected by a parent, you may be eligible for Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) classification. If SIJ classification is granted, you may qualify for lawful permanent residency (also known as getting a Green Card).”
-U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services
Requirements for an SIJ Classification
The qualifications have been simplified and are sourced from the UCIS Website.
Be Under 21 when filing for SIJ.
Currently live in the U.S.
Never been married.
Have a valid juvenile court order issued by a state court in the United States that states:
You are either dependent on the court, in the custody of a state, agency, department, an individual, or entity appointed by the court.
you can not be reunified with either of your parents because of abuse, neglect, abandonment, or a similar basis under state law.
It is not safe for you to return to your parents or your last residence.
Be elegible for USCIS consent.
Have written consent from the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Refugee Resettlement to the court’s jurisdiction if:
You are currently in the custody of HHS, and
The juvenile court order also changes your custody status or placement.
What to do to apply for SIJ Classification
Have A Valid Court Order Issued
To get started you must have a valid court order issued by the juvenile court. That means you are being abused, neglected, and/or abandoned. The juvenile court order must contain the required determinations regarding dependency or custody, parental reunification, and best interests. You must submit evidence for each of the judicial determinations and the relief from parental maltreatment ordered by the juvenile court. For More Information Click Here.
To Petition for SIJ Classification