If you are under 21, timing is essential. Get informed now.

If you are an immigrant youth or caring for a child, niece, nephew, or grandchild living in New Jersey, understanding Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS, Juvenile Status, or “Juvenile Visa”) is vital.

This process is designed for certain immigrant youths in the United States who cannot reunify with one or both parents due to abandonment, abuse, neglect, or similar grounds under state law.

Not everyone qualifies, and each case requires individual analysis. But there is one crucial rule:

AGE MATTERS IN NEW JERSEY

In New Jersey, an individual under 21 may, depending on circumstances, petition the Family Court for necessary SIJS findings. If the youth is 17, 18, 19, or 20 years old, do not wait until nearing their 21st birthday to seek information.

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What is Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)?

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) is an immigration classification created by Congress to protect certain immigrant youth present in the U.S. who have suffered abandonment, abuse, neglect, or similar parental failures.

It requires two distinct legal steps:

Who might qualify for Juvenile Status?

Key requirements include being under 21 years old when filing Form I-360 with USCIS, remaining unmarried, and holding valid state family court orders.

Abandonment, neglect, and abuse under New Jersey law depend on individual facts. Do not assume your situation does not qualify without proper guidance.

Did one of your parents abandon you?

Many youths live with only one parent, an aunt, uncle, grandparent, or guardian. In many cases, the impossibility of reunification with just one parent due to abandonment or neglect satisfies SIJS requirements. Both parents do not necessarily have to be involved in the wrongdoing.

I am 18, 19, or 20 years old. Is it too late?

Not necessarily. New Jersey Family Division courts have recognized jurisdiction in SIJS-related proceedings for young adults aged 18, 19, and 20 before they turn 21.

DO NOT LET YOUR 21ST BIRTHDAY FIND YOU JUST STARTING TO ASK. Get informed in advance.

How does the SIJS process work in New Jersey?

  1. Initial Review: Evaluate age, family background, birth certificates, and entry history.
  2. NJ Superior Court (Family Division): File state court petition for necessary custody and special findings.
  3. USCIS Form I-360: Submit the SIJ petition with certified court orders before age 21.
  4. Permanent Residency: Once approved, apply for adjustment of status (Green Card) according to EB-4 Visa Bulletin availability.

Does SIJS automatically grant a Green Card?

No. Total honesty is essential. SIJS falls under the EB-4 visa category, which is subject to annual numerical quotas. Wait times apply based on priority dates in the U.S. State Department Visa Bulletin.

Can I get a Work Permit with Juvenile Status?

Eligibility for work authorization (Form I-765) and deferred action depends on case progress and active USCIS regulations. MAPA Business & Financial Services LLC helps you navigate official requirements step by step.

Frequently Asked Questions about SIJS

What is the Juvenile Visa?

It refers to Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), a special immigration classification that provides a legal pathway toward permanent residency for eligible youths.

Up to what age can you apply?

The federal petition must be filed before age 21. In NJ, Family Court proceedings can take place for young adults between 18 and under 21.

Does one parent abandonment qualify?

Yes, non-viability of reunification with one or both parents due to abuse, abandonment, or neglect is sufficient under federal and state law.

Contact Marilyn Paladinez — MAPA Business & Financial Services LLC