Children, under the age of 21, can obtain a green card, through a special program called Special Immigrant Juvenile Classification. To qualify, you must be:
- under 21 at the time you file your Application (Form I-360)
- single
- declared to be a dependent of a U.S. State entity or an individual appointed by the Court
- Unable to be reunified with one or both parents because you were abused, or abandoned, or neglected or for any other reason as ruled by the state court
- Unable to return to your country because it is not in your interest.
There are three steps to obtaining a green card under SIJ. First, a court of any state in the United States must declare you a dependent of a state entity or an individual appointed by a court. Second, you must submit to USCIS a petition for SIJ classification (Form I-360). Third, you must submit to USCIS your green card application (form I-485).
SIJ Process can be complicated and worrisome. If you qualify, you need to find an immigration lawyer with experience who has full knowledge of the SIJ process.