Special Immigrant Juvenile Visa

Special Juvenile Visas: Protecting Vulnerable Children in the United States

As an immigration attorney, a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, and a member of the Children Immigrant Lawyers Association (CILA), I’m excited to shed light on a crucial pathway to protection for vulnerable children in the United States – Special Juvenile Visas (SJVs).

What Are Special Juvenile Visas?
Special Juvenile Visas are intended for children who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents and cannot be reunified with them due to exceptional circumstances. This visa category provides a chance for these children to obtain lawful permanent residence (a green card) in the U.S., offering them a path to safety and stability.

Key Aspects of Special Juvenile Visas

Guardianship Order:
To apply for an SJV, the child must first obtain a court order demonstrating that it is not in their best interest to return to their home country and that a suitable, long-term guardianship arrangement has been established in the U.S.
USCIS Petition:
Once the guardianship order is secured, we can help you prepare and file the Special Immigrant Petition to initiate the Special Juvenile Visa process.
Path to Permanent Residence:
Successful SJV applicants may be eligible to apply for lawful permanent residence (a green card), allowing them to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely.
Age Limit:
Generally, the child must be under 18 years old, so it’s essential to act promptly.