How can I apply for a juvenile visa for my child?

What is a special juvenile status visa and how can I get one for myself or a child?

A Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) visa is a form of immigration relief available to certain undocumented children in the United States who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents. It allows the child to apply for lawful permanent residency (a green card) once a visa becomes available.

✅ What Is Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)?

SIJS is a pathway to legal residency specifically for foreign-born children under 21 (the age can be limited to 18 based on what State you are located in) who have been subject to abuse, neglect, or abandonment by one or both parents and who cannot be safely reunited with them.

It is primarily designed to protect vulnerable children and provide them with stability and a lawful immigration status.

🎯 Who Is Eligible for SIJS?

To qualify, ALL of the following must apply:

Under Age 21 at the time of filing the petition (Form I-360).

Unmarried at the time of filing and through the process.

Must be physically present in the U.S..

Must have a juvenile court order (from a state court such as a family or probate court – this portion of the process can be limited to the age of 18 although the visa application can be as late as 21 depending on which State you are located in) that:

Declares the child dependent on the court or places them in custody of a state agency or individual.

Finds that reunification with one or both parents is not viable due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment.

States that it is not in the best interest of the child to return to their home country.

📋 How to Apply for SIJS

Step 1: Obtain a Juvenile Court Order

File for a custody, guardianship case ,or a declaratory judgement in state family court.

The court must issue findings about dependency, reunification, and best interest based on abuse, neglect, or abandonment.

⚠️ Important: The immigration court does not issue this order—you must go through state court.

Step 2: File Form I-360 with USCIS

This is the SIJS petition.

Attach the juvenile court order and other supporting evidence.

No fee required for SIJS.

Step 3: Apply for a Green Card (Form I-485)

Once the I-360 is approved and a visa number is available, you or your child may apply for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident.

Children from El Salvador, Guatemala, or Honduras may experience visa backlogs, so it's important to check the Visa Bulletin each month.

⚠️ Key Warnings

Once SIJS is granted, the child cannot petition for a green card for their parents, even after obtaining lawful permanent residency or citizenship.

If you're interested in pursuing SIJS for your child or yourself, I can guide you on the next steps specific to your case. Call 832-800-3572 to schedule an appointment or you can request one here on the appointments tab .