What’s next after my SIJS is approved

Young immigrants who have received the SIJS (Special Immigrant Juvenile Status) visa should know what’s next after it is approved.

Therefore, today with our immigration lawyers in Los Angeles we will learn everything about the approved Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and what happens after obtaining it. 

At Lluis Law we can help you with any type of immigration procedure in the United States.

Contact us today and schedule a no-obligation consultation. We will evaluate your case in a personalized way.

SIJS classification Approved In 2024. What’s Next?

Once the SIJS visa is approved, the next step is to apply for lawful permanent residence or Green Card. To do so, you must file Form I-485 with USCIS and meet certain eligibility requirements. 

It is important to remember that, with the approved Form I-360, you can enter the country without problems.

However, you must have all the necessary documents and follow the required steps of this process. Navigating this can be complex but our attorneys will guide you through every step to obtain your lawful permanent residency.

How Do I Know If My Juvenile Visa Was Approved?

USCIS will send you a Notice of Action (Form I-797) if it approves your youth visa after an interview with an immigration officer. 

You can check the status of your case on the USCIS website using the Form I-360 receipt number. 

It is critical that you understand how USCIS will notify you of its decision and what comes next after your juvenile visa is approved, as this will determine the next steps in your immigration process. The easiest thing is to contact our lawyers.

Can I Apply For A Work Permit And Leave The United States With An Approved SIJS classification?

Now with your SIJS approved, what’s next? Being able to work and travel outside the country? Well yes and no.

Although you can obtain an employment authorization by filing Form I-765 with USCIS, you cannot leave the country with the juvenile visa. 

While in some cases it is possible to apply for a Form I-131 to temporarily leave the country, leaving without prior permission will be considered abandonment of your application.

Can I Include My Family Members In My Youth Visa Application?

No, you cannot submit an application derived from the SIJS status. What’s more, this visa does not allow you to grant any immigration relief to your parents.

However, upon obtaining the Green Card, you may be able to petition to bring certain family members.

What Are The Eligibility Requirements For Lawful Permanent Residence With An Approved Youth Visa?

To obtain lawful permanent residence through the SIJS status, you will have to meet the following requirements:

• Be admissible to the United States or qualify for a waiver of inadmissibility.
• Have a juvenile visa already approved or in the approval process.
• Have been inspected and admitted to the United States, or have an advanced parole to remain.
• Be physically present in the US at the time of filing Form I-485.
• Be eligible to receive an immigrant visa.

What Documents Should I Submit To Request Adjustment Of Status Based On The Approved Juvenile Visa? 

Generally, to adjust your status and obtain a Green Card based on your approved SIJS classification, you must submit the following documentation to USCIS:

• Form I-485.
• Copy of Notice of Action from approved Form I-360 (unless submitted with I-485).
• 2 passport type photographs.
• Government-issued identification document.
• Birth certificate.
• Passport page with nonimmigrant visa.
• Documentation of J-1 or J-2 status, including proof of compliance or exemption from the 2-year foreign requirement.
• Passport page with admission stamp or conditional stay permit (if applicable).
• Form I-94 or entry/exit stamp.
• Form I-693.
• Police and judicial records.
• Form I-601.

You must submit the required documentation to obtain adjustment of status based on your approved juvenile visa. 

Meeting all requirements on time can be a challenge. Therefore, we are here to help you with these procedures.

Process To Apply For Lawful Permanent Residence When Having An Approved Juvenile visa

So at this point with the SIJS approved, what’s next? Well, now you can apply for the Green Card by following these steps:

1# Check The Availability Of The EB-4 Visa

Check the Visa Bulletin to confirm the availability of juvenile visas. These immigrant visas fall under the employment-based EB-4 visa for special immigrants.

2# Submit Form I-485 Along With The Necessary Additional Documentation

If it is confirmed that an EB-4 visa is available to you, submit Form I-485 along with any additional required documents. 

Remember that you can file jointly on Forms I-485 and I-360.

3# Verify Payment Of Fees

Check filing fees and possible exemptions to them. Generally, certain immigrants are exempt from paying their fees if the application for adjustment of status was based on:

• VAWA;
• Asylum; or
• Refuge.

What’s next after my SIJS case is finally approved? For more details contact us.

4# Consider A Deportation Scenario And Causes Of Inadmissibility

If you have any cause for inadmissibility, you must request an immigration waiver. If you are also in removal proceedings, USCIS may not have jurisdiction until it is resolved.

The adjustment of status process is complex and varies in each particular case. For this reason, seeking legal guidance is essential to ensure a successful process. 

Our immigration attorneys are prepared to guide you through every step of the process. Don’t hesitate to contact us today. Let us help you take the first step toward a safe and stable future in the US.

Is There A Maximum Age To Apply For Lawful Permanent Residence With An Approved Juvenile Visa?

There is no age limit to apply for lawful permanent residence under the SIJS classification. 

Therefore, if you were under 21 years old when you filed Form I-360, USCIS will not prevent you from adjusting your status even if you are currently over 21 years old.

How Long Does It Take To Receive The Green Card Via SIJS?

USCIS typically makes a decision on the I-360 application within 180 days after it is filed. However, although there is no legal recourse if this deadline is not met, it is recommended that you seek legal advice in the event of delays.

If you want to know SIJS processing time in detail, we invite you to read our related blog. 

What Can I Do If My Juvenile Visa Is Denied?

If USCIS denies Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, you can file Form I-290B to file a motion or appeal your case to the immigration court. 

What To Do If I Am In Deportation Proceedings But My Juvenile Visa Was Approved?

If you are in removal proceedings when your I-360 is approved, you may be able to file a motion to reopen or reconsider.

You can also file Form I-485 and request deferred action to ensure that your lawful permanent resident status is confirmed first. 

What Else Happens After The Juvenile Visa Is Approved?

As we saw, what happens after the visa is approved is mainly the adjustment of status. However, obtaining a juvenile visa may be just the first step towards achieving a better future, as the process is complex and challenging. 

What’s more, navigating youth visa requirements and interactions with immigration authorities can be overwhelming. 

At Lluis Law, we understand the difficulties faced by young immigrants. So do not hesitate to contact our immigration attorneys in Los Angeles, California, dedicated to guiding you through every step of the process.

Don’t let the complexities of the US immigration system discourage you. Let our professionals accompany you on this journey towards legalization. 

Call us today and we will review your request through a personalized, no-obligation consultation.