Doraville Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) Lawyer

In addition to offering various pathways for families to immigrate into the U.S. or adjust their lawful status, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) also provides special protections for minors without lawful status who are in the custody of a court-appointed agency or individual other than their parents. Based on their legally recognized mistreatment by their birth parents or former guardians, these minors may be eligible for protection under Special Immigrant Juvenile Status.

This form of lawful residence in the U.S. features many strict prerequisite conditions and a multi-step application process that can be difficult to navigate without a knowledgeable immigration attorney’s guidance. By working with a Doraville Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) lawyer, you could give yourself the best possible chances of a positive case resolution.

Who is Eligible for SIJS Protection?

Special Immigrant Juvenile protection only applies to unmarried individuals under the age of 21 who are currently living inside the U.S. without citizenship or Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) status. Eligible applicants must also either be dependent on the court, in the care of some person or entity other than their parents based on a court order, or in the custody of a state department or agency. They must also be unable to be reunified with their parents based on abandonment, abuse, or neglect.

Furthermore, applicants must be eligible for “USCIS consent,” which means they must have sought intervention from a juvenile order specifically for protection from parental abandonment, abuse, or neglect, and not with the primary intention of securing any immigration benefit. Finally, if an applicant is currently in custody of the Department of Health and Human Services or the Office of Refugee Resettlement and their juvenile court order would change their placement or custody status, they can proceed with their SIJS application if they have written consent from the relevant agency.

A knowledgeable attorney in Doraville who understands Special Immigrant Juvenile Status could explain all these requirements in greater detail.

How to Apply for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status

Minors who want to apply for SIJS must submit all the following pieces of documentation to USCIS:

• A completed Form I-360
• Identifying document(s) proving their age, such as a birth certificate, passport, or official ID issued by a non-U.S. government
• Copies of relevant court orders resulting in custody changes, as well as valid evidence for those orders
• Form G-28, for any applicant who has an attorney or accredited representative advocating for them
• Written consent from HHS or ORR, if applicable

If an immigrant visa is available for them, a SIJS applicant who meets all necessary criteria may also seek adjustment of status by submitting Form I-485 along with their initial application. A seasoned lawyer in Doraville could provide irreplaceable assistance collecting necessary documentation and compiling it into a comprehensive Special Immigrant Juvenile Status application.

Speak with a Doraville Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) Attorney Today

Applying for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status is far from a simple process, especially without professional legal guidance. Fortunately, compassionate attorney who understands your unique situation could work diligently on your behalf to pursue the best possible outcome.

A champion Doraville Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) lawyer could be a crucial ally. Call today to discuss your options and schedule an initial appointment.