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Welcome back to my blog series, "A Lawyer Explains," where I'll explain the different Immigration services we help our clients navigate. In this blog, we'll explore the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status process and the requirements to help you make an informed decision.
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status is a process designed for children under the age of 21 that allows them to apply for lawful permanent resident status in the United States.
The first step on this journey involves verifying whether the child meets the prerequisites for SIJS. The criteria include the following:
The application path is a carefully structured process to facilitate the acquisition of the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
Step 1: Crescent Law initiates the process in a juvenile court by filing a petition for guardianship and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.
Step 2: Upon approval of the guardianship and SIJS, the attorney will file Form I-360 to USCIS with the court order, proof of age, and official identity document.
Step 3: If USCIS grants SIJS, Crescent Law will file the I-765 application for employment authorization that will permit the youth to obtain an employment authorization document and social security card. This grant of deferred action is for non-citizens who cannot apply for adjustment of status solely because an immigrant visa number is not immediately available.
Step 4: If an immigrant visa is immediately available, Crescent Law can proceed with filing the I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, providing the juvenile with a green card.
Securing Special Immigrant Juvenile Status opens the beginning of an exciting new chapter of opportunities for a child, including:
Upon the approval of Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, the minor will have a clear path to obtaining lawful status in the United States.
Obtaining Special Immigrant Juvenile Status paves the path for U.S. citizenship. After fulfilling the necessary 5-year residency requirement, the youth may apply for citizenship.
To secure the success of your child's immigration journey, I'd like to share the following recommendations to help facilitate the qualifications for the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status:
Engaging the expertise of Myrna Luna at Crescent Law can be invaluable in navigating the complexities and ensuring all documentation is comprehensive and accurate. Crescent Law will help you craft a tailored plan for every step of the process, from the preparation of forms and the submission of documents to the interview.
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status is the key to unlocking a world of exceptional opportunities and a path to U.S. citizenship for minors. As your trusted immigration attorney, I'm committed to guiding you every step of the way on this exciting journey.
