Special Immigrant Juvenile Status Lawyer
Understanding and Support from Experienced SIJS Lawyers
For many children, teens, and young adults, the immigration system feels like one more obstacle in a life already marked by instability. Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) exists to change that.
When granted, SIJS can protect a young person from deportation and open a path toward lawful permanent residency—often the first real chance at safety, stability, and a future they can plan for.
Pursuing this form of immigration relief can be challenging because it forces a young person to recount traumatic moments in their life. At Odunlami Law, we help people pursue SIJS by making the most effective arguments and presenting compelling evidence while still respecting the privacy and emotional fragility of the families involved.
As immigrants ourselves, we know how heavy this journey can feel. Our role is to lighten that weight and help each young person step into a safer chapter of their life.
Pursuing this form of immigration relief can be challenging because it forces a young person to recount traumatic moments in their life. At Odunlami Law, we help people pursue special immigrant juvenile status by making the most effective arguments and presenting compelling evidence while still respecting the privacy and emotional fragility of the families involved.
As immigrants ourselves, we know the journey can be painful and frustrating, and we want to ease the burdens whenever possible.
SIJS is a humanitarian immigration classification designed for people under 21 who cannot safely reunify with one or both parents due to abuse, abandonment, neglect, or a similar basis under state law. SIJS is available only to individuals who are physically present in the United States and who have obtained specific findings from a state juvenile or family court.
Once granted, SIJS shields a young person from removal and allows them to apply for a Green Card. For many undocumented teens who may be unable to work legally, obtain a driver’s license, or apply to college, SIJS can be life ‑changing as it restores possibilities that trauma and immigration barriers have taken away.
At Odunlami Law, we believe it is critical for all young people who qualify to be made aware of this pathway before its no longer available.
Who Qualifies for SIJS?
To gain status as a special immigrant juvenile, the person petitioning for SIJS must be:
- Under the age of 21 at the time of filing the petition (in some states, because a juvenile court determination is required, the person applying must be under 18 or 19)
- Unmarried at filing and at the time of decision
- Physically present in the U.S. throughout the process
- Declared dependent on the court or in the custody of a state agency or someone appointed by the court (such as in foster care)
- Not able to be reunited with one or both parents due to abuse, abandonment, neglect, or a similar basis that occurred in or outside of the U.S. (if the applicant can be reunited with the non-abusive parent, they can pursue a one-parent SIJS case)
- A court must determine that returning to the home country is not in the young person’s best interests
The juvenile court order must be sought for relief from harm, not solely for immigration benefits. If the young person is in the custody of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, written consent may be required before the state court can issue certain orders.
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The SIJS process begins in state family court, where a judge must issue findings about the young person’s safety and family circumstances. Each state defines abuse, abandonment, and neglect differently. For example, in New Jersey, the death of a parent can legally constitute abandonment, which may support SIJS eligibility.
Once the petition is filed, the court schedules a hearing. This is a pivotal moment, as the judge reviews testimony, documentation, and the young person’s circumstances to determine whether reunification is impossible and whether returning to the home country would place them at risk. These findings form the backbone of the SIJS petition submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Because family courts often face significant delays, it is critical to begin the process well before the young person approaches the age limit.
What Documents Are Necessary for SIJS Filing?
After successfully obtaining the court order, you will need to gather:
- A copy of the juvenile court order: Document establishing the key SIJS findings, confirming that returning to your home country would not be safe.
- Birth certificate: A certified copy to confirm your age and identity.
- Passport: If you have one, include a copy for extra identification.
- Any other supporting documentation: Include any additional documents that may be relevant to your case, such as letters from teachers, social workers, or counselors, school records, medical records, or any other evidence that helps paint a clearer picture of your situation and supports your claims of abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
Collecting the right documents for your SIJS application is a key step in securing your future in the U.S. Taking the time to prepare everything carefully can really boost your chances of a positive outcome. If you have any questions or need support along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out to a knowledgeable New Jersey SIJS lawyer at our firm.
The SIJS Application Approval Process
With your Special Findings Order from the state family court in hand, you can move forward by filing Form I-360 with USCIS. This form formally requests SIJS classification based on the findings from the family court.
USCIS will carefully review the I-360 and the supporting evidence to assess whether the young person qualifies for SIJS. Following the submission, USCIS may request additional information or schedule an interview if they need clarification on certain aspects of the case or if any documentation is incomplete.
If USCIS approves the I-360 petition, the next step for the young person is to file Form I-485, the application for adjustment of status. This is a major milestone because it is the step that leads to becoming a lawful permanent resident. At this stage, many young people also become eligible to apply for SIJS work permits, allowing them to work legally while their Green Card application is pending. They will also be able to travel internationally and domestically with lawful permanent residency.
How Long Do I Have to File for SIJS?
The timeline for filing for SIJS depends on your state’s age limit. In most states, including New Jersey, you must be under 21 years old to apply. However, some states, such as Arizona and Arkansas, have a stricter limit of 18 years old. In these states, if a child does not secure a court order by their 18th birthday, they will age out for SIJS and lose the opportunity to apply.
If you or someone you know is nearing these critical age limits, reach out to a lawyer at Odunlami Law for assistance with the SIJS immigration process. We will ensure that your case is handled with care and urgency.
Young people can gain lawful status through SIJ classification regardless of how they entered the U.S.
No matter if you overstayed a student visa, crossed the border illegally, or violated other immigration provisions, we will strengthen your SIJS case by:
- Aligning state court findings with USCIS requirements to avoid inconsistencies that can jeopardize a case
- Preparing guardians and young clients so testimony and documentation remain clear and credible
- Managing complex fact patterns, including deceased or unavailable parents, undocumented guardians, and limited documentation
- Handling the full federal process, from I‑360 filings to adjustment‑of‑status strategy
Schedule a consultation with a New Jersey immigration lawyer today. While we primarily serve clients in New Jersey, we support immigrants nationwide.
Do You Need Legal Representation?
SIJS is one of the most protective forms of immigration relief available to vulnerable youth, but it is also one of the most procedurally complex. We help fellow immigrants get legal status so they can live without fear. Our team represents immigration clients who live in all fifty states and abroad, we speak English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, and French.
If you are considering applying for SIJS or have questions, Odunlami Law is ready to assist. Your journey to safety and security matters to us, and we are committed to helping you find the best path forward.
Your journey towards safety and legal stability starts here.
Take the first step toward a brighter future.
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Odunlami Law Firm, LLC. |
- 14 Ridgedale Avenue, Suite 209, Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927
- (973) 993 1900
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Do You Need Legal Representation?
We help fellow immigrants get legal status so they can live without fear: do it right the first time by using an experienced immigration attorney. Our team represents immigration clients who live in all fifty states and abroad, we speak English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, and French.