206 S Military Trail,
Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
Tel: 1-800-371-8022
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
Hope for Abandoned, Abused, and Neglected Immigrant Children
Through Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status, immigrant children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected can obtain permanent residency and a pathway to citizenship in the United States. At Chestnut Law Group, our compassionate attorneys are dedicated to helping vulnerable children find safety and stability through this humanitarian form of immigration relief.
Introduced by Congress in 1990, SIJ status enables abused, neglected, or abandoned child immigrants to petition for permanent lawful status. Once SIJ status is approved, recipients can live and work legally in the U.S. and eventually apply for citizenship.
SIJ Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for SIJ status, the child must:
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Be under age 21 and unmarried
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Have experienced abuse, abandonment or neglect by one or both parents learn about qualifying abuse and neglect
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Be declared dependent on a juvenile court understand juvenile court dependency orders
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Be deemed not in their best interest to return to their home country
Our attorneys handle every aspect of these deeply personal and complex cases with sensitivity and care. We work closely with you to prepare and file all necessary SIJ paperwork and represent your child in court proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for SIJ status?
Immigrant children under 21 who have suffered abuse, abandonment, or neglect by at least one parent can qualify. The child must be unmarried and declared dependent by a juvenile court. Our attorneys can advise if a child meets requirements.
What rights does SIJ status provide?
SIJ status grants lawful permanent residence and a pathway to citizenship. With a green card, recipients can live and work legally in the U.S., attend public school, access financial aid for college, join the military, and travel abroad.
How is a child granted SIJ status?
After submitting a petition on the child’s behalf, we must obtain special findings from a state juvenile court verifying the child’s dependent status due to parental mistreatment. USCIS then makes the final SIJ determination.
Can SIJ status help a child gain custody?
Yes, the dependency order we obtain from juvenile court can grant custody to a qualified guardian. This provides safety and stability when the child cannot reunify with parents.
Is there an age limit for SIJ eligibility?
Yes, the child must be under 21 and unmarried to qualify. However, USCIS can adjust status for those who turned 21 during the application process, with attorney guidance.
How long does it take to get SIJ status?
The process typically takes 6-12 months. We file the petitions urgently and follow up to obtain decisions quickly, knowing these children are in vulnerable situations.
Bring Hope and Security to a Child in Need
If an immigrant child you know is in a dire situation, Chestnut Law Group may be able to help them find a brighter future in America through SIJ status. Contact us online or call 800-371-8022 to schedule a consultation with our dedicated immigration lawyers.