Green Card Options for Special Immigrant Juveniles

1. What are the requirements for obtaining a green card as a special immigrant juvenile?


In order to obtain a green card as a special immigrant juvenile, you must meet the following requirements:

1. You must be under 21 years of age and unmarried;
2. You must have been declared dependent on a juvenile court located in the US or one with jurisdiction over your case;
3. The court must have determined that (1) you cannot reunify with one or both of your parents due to abuse, abandonment, neglect, or a similar basis under state law; and (2) it is not in your best interest to be returned to the country of your nationality;
4. You must have been lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum, or paroled into the US; and
5. You must demonstrate that you are a person of good moral character.

You will also need to fill out Form I-360 and submit it to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) with all necessary supporting documents.

2. How can I apply for a green card as a special immigrant juvenile?


In order to apply for a green card as a special immigrant juvenile, you must first obtain a court order declaring you a dependent of the court or authorizing the release of your custody to an adult relative. You must then submit Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, along with supporting documents such as evidence of the court order, proof that you are unmarried, and other evidence demonstrating your eligibility for special immigrant juvenile status.

3. What are the eligibility requirements for a special immigrant juvenile adjustment of status?


In order to be eligible for a Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) adjustment of status, an individual must meet the following requirements:

1. Must currently be residing in the United States;
2. Must have entered the United States lawfully;
3. Must have been declared a dependent of a juvenile court located in the United States, and have had the legal custody of such court;
4. Must have been declared by such court to have been subject to abuse, neglect, or abandonment;
5. Must be unmarried at the time of filing the adjustment of status application; and
6. Must be under the age of 21 at the time of filing the adjustment of status application.

4. Who is eligible for a special immigrant juvenile green card?


A special immigrant juvenile green card is available to individuals who have been declared dependent on a state juvenile court, have been abandoned, neglected or abused by one or both parents, and are ineligible for reunification with one or both parents. The individual must be under the age of 21 and unmarried. To be eligible, they must also have been lawfully admitted into the United States as a nonimmigrant and have been physically present in the United States for at least one year.

5. What is the filing fee for a special immigrant juvenile green card application?


The filing fee for a special immigrant juvenile green card application is $1,225.

6. How long does it take to obtain a special immigrant juvenile green card?


It usually takes around 6 to 9 months to obtain a special immigrant juvenile green card. The process may take longer depending on the individual case.

7. Is there any waiver available for the filing fee for the special immigrant juvenile green card application?


Yes, depending on your financial situation, you may be able to apply for a waiver of the filing fee for your special immigrant juvenile green card application. You can do this by completing Form I-912 and submitting it with your application.

8. Are there visas available for family members of a special immigrant juvenile?


Yes, family members of special immigrant juveniles may be eligible for either the Immediate Relative (IR) or Family Preference (F) visa categories. IR visas are available for certain family members of U.S. citizens, such as a spouse, child, and parent. F visas are available for certain family members of lawful permanent residents, such as a spouse, child, and parent.

9. Is it possible to obtain employment authorization with a special immigrant juvenile green card?


Yes, it is possible to obtain employment authorization with a special immigrant juvenile green card. After receiving the green card, the individual must apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the USCIS, and then they will be able to work legally in the United States.

10. Can I travel outside the U.S. with my special immigrant juvenile green card?


Yes, you can travel outside the U.S. with your special immigrant juvenile green card. However, you will need to obtain a re-entry permit before leaving the U.S. in order to be able to return, as the green card alone is not sufficient for re-entry into the U.S. Additionally, you may need to obtain a visa from the country you plan to visit as well.

11. Is there any way to speed up the process of obtaining a special immigrant juvenile green card?


No, the process of obtaining a special immigrant juvenile green card cannot be sped up. The process can take several months to several years depending on the individual’s particular situation.

12. Are there any additional documents I need to submit with my application for an adjustment of status as a special immigrant juvenile?


In addition to the required forms, you may need to submit additional documents, such as court orders and evidence of your age and marital status. You will need to provide certified translations if any of your documents are not in English. You may also need to include evidence that you were declared dependent on a juvenile court or that you have been a victim of abuse, abandonment, or neglect. Additionally, you may need to submit evidence of your rehabilitation if applicable.

13. What happens if my application for an adjustment of status as a special immigrant juvenile is denied?


If your application is denied, you will be notified in writing of the reasons for the denial and be given an opportunity to present additional evidence. You may also be placed in removal proceedings before an immigration judge. In those proceedings, you may present any additional evidence relevant to your case and argue why your application should be granted.

14. Can I obtain citizenship through my special immigrant juvenile green card?


Yes, you can obtain citizenship through your Special Immigrant Juvenile green card. However, you must first meet the eligibility requirements for naturalization, including the requirement to have held a green card for at least 5 years.

15. Is it necessary to attend an interview as part of the process to obtain a special immigrant juvenile green card?


Yes, it is necessary to attend an interview as part of the process to obtain a special immigrant juvenile green card. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may also require a biometrics appointment and a medical examination as part of the process.

16. What happens if I lose my special immigrant juvenile green card?


If you lose your special immigrant juvenile green card, you must apply for a replacement by filing Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. The fee for this form is currently $455.

17. Are there any circumstances in which I may be able to apply for permanent residence through another avenue following receipt of my special immigrant juvenile green card?


Yes, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence through another avenue, such as sponsorship by an immediate relative or employer, if you are able to meet the requirements for such an application. However, it is important to note that the special immigrant juvenile green card is the only way to gain permanent residence status based solely on your status as a special immigrant juvenile.

18. Are there any restrictions on working outside the U.S with my special immigrant juvenile green card?


Yes, there are restrictions on working outside the U.S. with a special immigrant juvenile green card. You must have permission from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before you can work outside the U.S., and you will not be able to receive any benefits from the U.S. while you are working abroad.

19. How long is my special immigrant juvenile green card valid for?


A special immigrant juvenile green card is valid for 10 years.

20. Will I be able to become a U.S citizen if I obtained my special immigrant juvenile green card through an adjustment of status process?


Yes, you can become a U.S. citizen if you obtained your special immigrant juvenile green card through an adjustment of status process. After you have had the green card for at least five years, and meet other requirements, you can apply for naturalization.