Our Immigration Services

Special Juvenile Visa (SIJS) Lawyer

Access compassionate legal care for vulnerable youth, with a Special Juvenile Visa.

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) is a humanitarian form of relief that provides eligible immigrant children under the age of 21, who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents, with a pathway to permanent residency in the United States.

At Saavedra and Perez Law, we are dedicated to supporting these young individuals by navigating the complexities of immigration law with empathy and expertise.

Special Juvenile Youth Visa

Special Juvenile Visa (SIJS) Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for SIJS, you must meet the following criteria:

Age Requirement:

You must be under 18-21 depending on state of residence when filing the SIJS petition.

Juvenile Court Dependency:

You must be dependent on a juvenile court or legally committed to or placed under the custody of a state agency or department, or an individual or entity appointed by the state or a juvenile court.

Reunification Not Viable:

A juvenile court must have determined that reunification with one or both of your parents is not viable due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or a similar basis under state law.

Best Interest:

It must be in your best interest not to return to your previous country of nationality or last habitual residence.

If you believe you or someone you know meet these criteria, we encourage you to reach out for a confidential consultation to explore your legal options.

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What are the benefits of a SIJS?

Obtaining SIJS offers several significant benefits:

Pathway to Permanent Residency:

SIJS leads directly to the ability to apply for lawful permanent residency in the U.S.

Protection from Deportation:

Once SIJS is granted, you are protected from deportation and can legally remain in the U.S.

Work Authorization:

After filing for adjustment of status, you can apply for work authorization, allowing you to work legally in the U.S.

Saavedra & Perez’s SIJS Services Include:

Specialized Legal Consultation for Minors:

  • We provide a safe and understanding environment where you can discuss your situation without fear. Our consultations are tailored to be youth-friendly and accessible.
  • We ensure confidentiality and prioritize your safety and comfort throughout the legal process.

Assistance with Juvenile Court Proceedings:

  • Our experienced attorneys will guide you through the necessary juvenile court proceedings to obtain the essential orders needed for SIJS eligibility.
  • We work closely with child welfare professionals and court-appointed guardians to ensure that all legal requirements are meticulously met.

Preparation and Filing of SIJS Petition:

  • We assist in preparing and filing your Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, ensuring all supporting documentation is accurate and compelling.
  • We manage all communications with USCIS, keeping you informed every step of the way.

Adjustment of Status and Future Planning:

  • Once SIJS is granted, we help you apply for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident.
  • We provide ongoing legal advice and support as you transition into your new life, including educational and career guidance.

Contact Us

If you are a young person facing a difficult family situation, or if you know someone in need of protection, reach out to Saavedra and Perez Law for a confidential consultation. Let us help you navigate your legal options and secure a stable and hopeful future.

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Attorney Michelle Perez

Written by

Michelle Perez

Immigration Removal Defense | Immigration Appeals | Crimmigration | VAWA | Military-Based Immigration

Michelle Perez, JD, is a founding attorney at Saavedra & Perez Law, PLLC, where she leads the firm's removal defense and immigration appeals practice. The daughter of immigrants herself, Michelle has lived this work firsthand - including personally guiding her father through the pardon process after decades-old criminal charges kept him from his home country for 58 years. Licensed in Florida with over a decade of experience, she represents clients in Immigration Court, before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), and in federal proceedings, concentrating on removal defense, cancellation of removal, VAWA, waivers, and complex immigration matters involving criminal history. A member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), she has presented at AILA panels on immigration law and client experience. Michelle is known for taking on complex, high-stakes cases and crafting creative legal arguments.

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