Juvenile Visas – Applying For a Juvenile Visa
Juvenile visas can be an important part of securing permanent residency for a child. These visas are issued to undocumented minors, and can even pave the way to a green card. To apply for a juvenile visa, you must meet specific criteria. You should also be aware of some issues related to the process.
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) is an immigration classification available to certain undocumented minors
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (or SIJS) is a category of immigration status that allows certain undocumented minors to obtain a green card. This category is different from other immigration classifications, because it does not require the child to enter the country legally or prove financial support. If approved, SIJS can allow an undocumented minor to obtain a green card and even apply for citizenship.
The SIJS classification was expanded under new reauthorized legislation in 2008, and is a good option for certain undocumented minors. They can apply for this immigration status even while facing removal proceedings. The application process generally takes around six months and will help the child to obtain a legal status as an immigrant.
Applicants for SIJS must apply for lawful permanent residence before their 18th birthday. Those who apply after their 18th birthday may face a more difficult time from immigration authorities.
It can be a route to a green card
If you have a child that is a non-citizen, the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) program may be the best route to a green card. However, the process is time-consuming and complicated, and it is best completed with the help of an immigration attorney.
SIJS is the best option for a teenager, but you must be sure to file your application well before your child reaches the age of 18. As children approach their 18th birthday, immigration authorities are likely to question the validity of their application more strongly. In addition, some family courts have rejected jurisdiction over youths seeking SIJS.
The SIJ process is currently experiencing a bottleneck due to the large number of applications for green cards. Applicants must wait until the USCIS has granted approval for their SIJ before they can file an immigration petition for a green card. Moreover, SIJ applications fall under a fourth employment-based category that has a cap of 9,940 green cards each year.
Requirements to qualify
There are certain requirements that must be met in order to qualify for a juvenile visa. First, the child must be a minor and must be living in the United States. The child cannot apply for a visa outside of the country. In addition, the child must be unmarried. Any previous marriages must have been dissolved, annulled, or terminated by death. The child must also have a valid juvenile court order.
Juvenile visas can be obtained by foreign nationals who meet certain requirements. However, the main requirement is that the alien must be physically present in the United States. This special immigration category is based on the INA definition of “child.” A child is an unmarried individual under the age of 21. Married aliens do not meet this definition. For details, see USCIS-PM section 235(d)(6).
A child can also be granted Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). SIJS is a category of immigration visa that offers protection for children who cannot return home. A child may be eligible if they were abandoned or abused, or if their parents were incapable of providing for them.
Issues with applying for a juvenile visa
Applying for a juvenile visa for your child can be a complicated process. It’s important to know what to expect. If you are a youth and your parents are adults, you may not be eligible for a juvenile visa. But it’s possible to qualify if you meet specific requirements.
One type of juvenile visa is called Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). This visa can help children who came to the US as an unaccompanied minor and need protection from a juvenile court. This type of status will allow the child to apply for adjustment of status, work authorization, and citizenship.
In addition, a juvenile visa is different than a regular one. It must be issued by a judge after a court order has been entered. The federal government’s definition of a juvenile is under 18 years old. However, state laws may differ in their definition.