Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) is a unique form of immigration relief designed to protect children and young people who cannot safely return to the care of one or both parents. For many vulnerable youth, SIJS offers a pathway to lawful permanent residency—and with it, the chance at safety, stability, and opportunity in the United States.

At Yohana Valdez Law, we guide families in Washington through every step of the SIJS process, bridging the gap between family court proceedings and federal immigration filings.

Who Qualifies for SIJS?

To be eligible for SIJS, a child or young person must meet several requirements set by U.S. immigration law:

• Age: The applicant must be under 21 years old at the time of filing.

• Marital Status: The applicant must be unmarried.

• Parental Reunification: A state family or juvenile court must determine that reunification with one or both parents is not possible due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment.

• Best Interests: The court must also find that it is not in the child’s best interest to return to their country of origin.

   

How SIJS Works in Washington

In Washington, the process begins in family or juvenile court. This is where a judge issues the required findings, often through:

• A parenting plan that determines custody.

• A guardianship arrangement that recognizes the child’s need for protection.

• A dependency order in juvenile court.

These court findings are called predicate orders and are essential before applying to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for SIJS. Once USCIS approves the SIJS petition, eligible applicants may later apply for a green card.

Why SIJS Matters

For children who have suffered abuse, neglect, or abandonment, SIJS can be life-changing. It provides:

• A legal pathway to permanent residency.

• Protection from deportation.

• Access to stability, safety, and future opportunities in the U.S.

Most importantly, SIJS recognizes the unique vulnerabilities of youth and ensures they are not forced back into unsafe environments.

Next Steps for Families in Washington

If you believe your child—or a child in your care—may qualify for SIJS, it’s important to act quickly. Timing is critical, as petitions must be filed before the youth turns 21.

At Yohana Valdez Law, we work closely with families to:

• Obtain the necessary family court orders.

• Prepare and file SIJS petitions with USCIS.

• Guide clients through each stage of the process toward lawful permanent residency.