U.S. SIJ Green Card

Summary

Special Immigrant Juvenile classification can lead to a green card for certain young people in the United States who need protection because reunification with one or both parents is not viable due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or a similar basis under state law.

The route usually starts with a qualifying state-court order.

Eligibility

You may fit this pathway if:

• You are in the United States.
• You are under the applicable age limit.
• A state court has made the required dependency, custody, or guardianship findings.
• The court order says reunification with one or both parents is not viable because of abuse, neglect, abandonment, or a similar basis.
• The court order says returning to your country of nationality or last habitual residence is not in your best interest.
• USCIS classifies you as a Special Immigrant Juvenile and visa/adjustment rules allow the green card step.

Duration, Renewal, and Long-Term Path

• Duration: Can lead to lawful permanent residence if classification, visa availability, and adjustment requirements are met.
• Renewal: Green cards are renewable as cards; citizenship may follow after residence and presence rules are met.

What This Route Allows

SIJ can provide a path to a green card for certain protected young people in the United States.

What This Route Is Not

It is not a route that parents can use through the child, and it does not by itself fix every inadmissibility issue.

Next Steps

1. Speak with an immigration lawyer and state-court practitioner familiar with SIJ.
2. Confirm age deadlines under state law and immigration law.
3. Gather records related to custody, dependency, abuse, neglect, abandonment, and best interests.
4. Coordinate state-court timing with the USCIS filing.

Sources

• USCIS - Green Card Based on Special Immigrant Juvenile Classification
• USCIS - Special Immigrant Juveniles