For children and young people who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) offers a path to lawful permanent residency in the United States.

But the SIJS process is unique: it requires both Washington State family court involvement and federal immigration filings. Understanding the steps can help families avoid delays and protect a child’s eligibility before critical deadlines.

Step 1: State Court Findings

The process begins in Washington family or juvenile court. A judge must issue findings that:

• The child is dependent on the court, in a guardianship, or covered by a parenting plan.
• Reunification with one or both parents is not possible due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
• It is not in the child’s best interest to return to their country of origin.

These findings are usually made through:

• Parenting plans (when one parent is granted custody).
• Guardianships (when a non-parent is given custody).
• Dependency orders (in juvenile court cases).

This court order is called a predicate order—and it’s the cornerstone of every SIJS case.

Step 2: Filing with USCIS

Once the court order is obtained, the next step is filing Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

This petition must include:

• The Washington court’s predicate order.
• Evidence that the applicant meets SIJS requirements (under 21, unmarried, in the U.S.).
• Supporting documents such as birth certificates and identity records.

Importantly, the I-360 must be filed before the youth turns 21. Timing is critical, and missing the age deadline can make a child permanently ineligible.

Step 3: Adjustment of Status (Green Card Application)

After the I-360 petition is approved, eligible youth may apply for a green card through adjustment of status (Form I-485).

This step can take time, depending on visa availability in the Visa Bulletin. Some children may wait months or even years before a green card is available. During this period, they may be eligible for work authorization and protection from deportation.

Why Timing Matters

Because SIJS eligibility ends at age 21, families should seek legal help as soon as possible. The earlier the process begins, the more options are available for securing the necessary court orders and meeting USCIS deadlines.

How Yohana Valdez Law Can Help

The SIJS process requires navigating two legal systems at once—Washington family courts and U.S. immigration law. At Yohana Valdez Law, we guide families through each stage by:

• Securing the proper parenting plan, guardianship, or dependency order.
• Preparing and filing a strong SIJS petition with USCIS.
• Advising on adjustment of status and long-term immigration planning.

Next Steps for Families

If you are caring for a child in Washington who may qualify for SIJS, don’t wait. These cases are time-sensitive and require careful coordination.

📞 Contact Yohana Valdez Law today to schedule a consultation and start the SIJS process before important deadlines are missed.