Get CA JV-356 2016-2024

The Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) classification provides certain children who have been subject to state juvenile court proceedings related to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or a similar basis under state law the ability to seek lawful permanent residence in the United States.

If you only have your SIJS, you cannot leave and re-enter the United States. Once your permanent residency is approved, then you are able to travel in and out of the U.S. Still, staying out of the United States for more than six months may lead to complications regarding your permanent residency.

The priority date or Final Action Date is the date that the Form I-360 was filed. You can find this date on the I- 360 receipt notice.

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status is a unique, hybrid form of immigration relief that requires the involvement of state courts before a child is eligible to apply for a special immigrant juvenile visa with U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services.

“Case Received” is a status you will see at the beginning of your VAWA green card application process when USCIS first receives your submitted Form I-360. It indicates that USCIS has accepted your initial application. “Case Approved” is one of the last statuses you will see.

Form I-360 has a filing fee of $435, payable by check or money order. Amerasians, special immigrant juveniles, VAWA petitioners, and Afghan and Iraqi nationals who worked with the U.S. government won't need to pay the fee.

While USCIS generally adjudicates Form I-360 petitions for SIJ classification within 180 days, this time frame does not apply to Form I-485. If we approve your SIJ petition, we will send you an approval notice.

When you file the I-360 form with the attached evidence, it may take between 16 to 21 months to process your VAWA petition fully. USCIS will issue a Prima Facie Determination Notice to VAWA petitioners who qualified and fulfilled requirements.