SIJS Generally

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR SIJS?

To be eligible for SIJS, you must be:

1. Under 21;
   
   
2. Unmarried;
   
   
3. Have a case or be able to open a case in a state juvenile court; *
   
   
4. The juvenile court must determine that you are not able to live with one or both
   of your parents because they abandoned, abused, or neglected you;
   
   
5. The juvenile court must determine that it would not be in your best interest to
   be returned to your country of origin.

*  Family court custody proceedings is the most common way this is done but it could also be probate guardianship proceedings, juvenile justice (delinquency) proceedings, or juvenile dependency (child welfare) proceedings).

How to Apply for SIJS Benefits

After obtaining the required State Court Orders demonstrating eligibility for SIJS the juvenile must submit a Form I-360 Self-Petition to the United States Citizenship.

Form I-360