For undocumented minors who have experienced abuse, abandonment, or neglect, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) provides a critical opportunity to secure legal status in the United States. While obtaining SIJS approval is a major milestone, many applicants wonder, What happens next?
After SIJS approval, there are several important steps to consider, including applying for a green card, understanding work authorization, and planning for the future. Below, we break down what comes after SIJS approval and what minors and their guardians should know to ensure a smooth transition.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Protection from Deportation
Once SIJS is approved, the applicant is protected from deportation. Even if they do not yet have a green card, SIJS recipients cannot be placed in removal proceedings. This offers peace of mind for young immigrants as they move forward with their legal status.
Step 2: Applying for a Green Card
While SIJS itself does not grant permanent residency, it allows the recipient to apply for a green card (lawful permanent residency). This is done by filing Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
What You Need to Know About the Green Card Process
- Visa Availability – SIJS applicants are subject to visa backlogs based on their country of birth. Some applicants can file for a green card right away, while others may have to wait until a visa becomes available.
- Work Authorization – Once an SIJS recipient receives their green card, they are automatically eligible to work in the U.S. without needing a separate work permit.
- Public Benefits Eligibility – In some states, SIJS recipients may qualify for Medicaid, financial aid for college, and other public benefits.
Step 3: Understanding SIJS Limitations
While SIJS provides a path to permanent residency, it comes with specific limitations, including:
- No Sponsorship of Parents – SIJS recipients cannot petition for their parents to receive legal status in the U.S. since the SIJS designation is based on findings of abuse, abandonment, or neglect by one or both parents.
- Travel Restrictions – Until the green card is obtained, SIJS recipients should avoid leaving the U.S. Without a travel document, they may not be allowed to return.
Step 4: Planning for U.S. Citizenship
Once an SIJS recipient receives their green card, they can begin working toward U.S. citizenship. After five years of being a lawful permanent resident, they may be eligible to apply for naturalization by filing Form N-400 with USCIS.
Becoming a U.S. citizen offers additional benefits, including:
- The ability to vote in elections
- Greater job opportunities
- Stronger legal protections
For many SIJS recipients, citizenship is the ultimate goal, providing a sense of stability and belonging in the U.S.
Why Legal Guidance Matters After SIJS Approval
The steps following SIJS approval can be complex, especially when dealing with visa backlogs and green card applications. Working with an experienced immigration attorney ensures that the process is handled correctly and efficiently.
Legal professionals, such as those at Juvenile Visa Law Group, P.C., specialize in helping SIJS recipients navigate the next steps toward obtaining a green card and eventual citizenship. They provide critical support in filing applications, understanding deadlines, and addressing potential legal obstacles that may arise after SIJS approval.
Conclusion
Receiving Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) is a life-changing step for young immigrants, but it is just the beginning of their journey toward legal residency and citizenship. Understanding what comes next—from green card applications to eventual citizenship—is key to building a secure future in the U.S.
If you or someone you know has received SIJS approval and needs help with the next steps, consulting an immigration attorney can make all the difference. Professional legal guidance ensures that applications are completed correctly, deadlines are met, and the path to permanent residency remains smooth.
