{"id":1583,"date":"2022-06-03T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-06-03T05:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eaganimmigration.com\/que-es-el-estatus-especial-de-inmigrante-juvenil-sijs-y-como-se-si-califico\/"},"modified":"2026-07-29T16:45:04","modified_gmt":"2026-07-29T21:45:04","slug":"que-es-el-estatus-especial-de-inmigrante-juvenil-sijs-y-como-se-si-califico","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eaganimmigration.com\/en\/que-es-el-estatus-especial-de-inmigrante-juvenil-sijs-y-como-se-si-califico\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) and how do I know if I qualify?"},"content":{"rendered":"

 <\/p>\n

Many immigrants try to enter the US legally when they are under 21 years old.<\/p>\n

In response, U.S. law states that they cannot immigrate to the U.S. unless they are adults or have parents\/guardians with them.<\/p>\n

However, there is a way for immigrants under 21 years of age to obtain lawful permanent residency in the United States. It is called\u00a0Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)<\/a>\u00a0and it is possible to qualify for it.<\/p>\n

What is\u00a0SIJS<\/a>?<\/h2>\n

SIJS is a unique classification only available to immigrant minors under 21 years of age. It allows them to become lawful permanent residents (not yet full US citizens) without the presence of a parent or guardian.<\/p>\n

This special classification is reserved for youth who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by one or both parents.<\/p>\n

The benefit of SIJS is that it removes certain disqualifications that often prevent young immigrants from becoming permanent residents. In addition, someone with SIJS can eventually apply to become a full-fledged US citizen.<\/p>\n

Who is eligible for SIJS?<\/h2>\n

Naturally, you may be wondering whether you or someone you know qualifies for SIJS.<\/p>\n

Not all individuals under the age of 21 are eligible. In addition to having been abused, abandoned, or neglected by one or both parents, other requirements for SIJS include:<\/p>\n