Special Immigrant Juvenile Status(SIJS)
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)
At Law Offices of Monica Jara-Aguirre, we help vulnerable immigrant children obtain legal status in the U.S. through Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)—a lifeline for those abandoned, abused, or neglected by their parents.
What Is SIJS?
- A humanitarian immigration benefit that allows qualifying minors to:
- Apply for a green card without relying on abusive parents
- Gain protection from deportation
- Work legally in the U.S.
- Access education & healthcare
- Eligibility Requirements:
- Under 21 years old (must file before age 21)
- Unmarried
- Declared dependent by a state juvenile court
- Cannot be reunified with one or both parents due to abuse, abandonment, or neglect
- It’s not in your best interest to return to your home country
1. Obtain a Juvenile Court Order
- File in family court or probate court (varies by state)
- Court must make findings about:
- Your dependency status
- Abuse/abandonment by parent(s)
- Why returning home is unsafe
2. File SIJS Petition (Form I-360)
- Submit to USCIS with court order
- No filing fee for SIJS applicants
3. Apply for Green Card (Form I-485)
- Can file concurrently with I-360 if visa numbers are available
- Requires medical exam & biometrics
Who We Help
- Abandoned Minors
- Parents left child in the U.S. or home country
- Living with relatives/friends without legal custody
- Abuse/Neglect Survivors
- Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
- Forced labor or child trafficking victims
- Denied basic care (food, medical treatment, education)
- Unaccompanied Migrant Children
- Entered U.S. alone or with smugglers
- In ORR custody or living with sponsors
Why Choose Our SIJS Lawyers?
- State-Specific Expertise – Knows California family court procedures
- Bilingual Teamt – Spanish-speaking staff available
- Trauma-Informed Approach – Sensitive to children’s experiences
- High Approval Rate – 95% success for properly documented cases
- Affordable Fees – Sliding scale for low-income families
Critical Deadlines & Challenges
- Age-Out Risk – Must file before 21st birthday (some exceptions for pending cases)
- Court Delays – We expedite cases nearing age limit
- Family Court Hurdles – Help finding guardians/petitioners if none exist
- USCIS Backlogs – Monitor priority dates for green card filing
After SIJS Approval
- Work Permit – Eligible immediately
- Green Card – Typically granted within 1-2 years
- Citizenship Path – Can naturalize after 5 years
- Family Sponsorship – May petition for relatives after turning 21
SIJS vs. Other Options
| SIJS | Asylum | U Visa |
|---|---|---|
| For minors abused by parents | For those fearing persecution | Crime victims assisting law enforcement |
| Requires juvenile court order | Must file within 1 year of entry | Requires police certification |
| Leads directly to green card | Temporary status first | Waitlist (5+ years) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. 1 : What areas of law do you practice?
We specialize in family law, immigration law, and civil litigation. Whether you’re facing a divorce, seeking a visa, or dealing with a legal dispute, we are here to help.
Q. 2 : Do you offer consultations?
Yes, we offer initial consultations to evaluate your legal needs and discuss the best course of action. Please contact our office at (818) 570-7197 or email jaraaguirrelaw@gmail.com to schedule an appointment.
Q. 3 : Where is your office located?
Our primary office is at:
820 San Fernando Road, Suite 203A, San Fernando, CA 91340
We also have a mailing address in Encino:
4930 Balboa Blvd #261938, Encino, CA 91426
Q. 4 : Do you charge for consultations?
We denounce with righteous indignation and dislike men who are so beguiled and demoralized by the charms.
Q. 5 : What should I bring to my first consultation?
Bring any relevant documents related to your case (court papers, notices, contracts, identification, etc.) and a list of questions or concerns you have. This helps us better understand and assess your legal situation.