Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
Helping Those With Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJ Status) in Seattle, Washington
Experience You Can Trust
At Multani Law Group, we bring over 20 years of experience representing families in matters related to Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJ) for non-citizen children in the United States who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned. Our Seattle-based team provides comprehensive advice on the implications of SIJ status for a child’s immigration status and offers guidance through family and juvenile court proceedings. Our clients include parents, relatives, and family friends who are capable of competently caring for a child.
SIJ Guardianship Requirements
To qualify for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJ), the following criteria must be met:
1) The child must be under 21 years old and physically present in the U.S.
2) The child must not be married.
3) A court must declare the child dependent.
4) The court must find that the child cannot reunite with a parent due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
The State Juvenile Court will assess the child’s eligibility for SIJ Classification and make a legal determination to allow the application to proceed. This process includes decisions about child custody and dependency. In Washington state, the juvenile court will determine whether the child should reunite with their parents or another custodian.
SIJ Status Application Process
The application process for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status includes the following steps:
- Submit Form I-360, “Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant.”
- Provide proof of age with a birth certificate, passport, or official government identification document. The USCIS may accept other documents that sufficiently prove the applicant’s age. Include juvenile court orders that establish the court’s determination about the child’s custody and welfare.
- If the child is in the custody of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, obtain written consent from HHS for the child’s application to SIJ. This document must be submitted to USCIS.
- Submit Form G-28 from the applicant’s attorney or accredited representative, if applicable. Our Approach
At Multani Law Group, our Seattle immigration lawyers combine proactive planning with efficient case management to streamline our services and address the challenges of today’s complex immigration landscape.