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Special Immigrant Juvenile Status Visa Lawyer in Chicago, IL

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Are you looking for a Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) visa lawyer in Chicago, IL?

At Ibrahim Law Office, we take special pride in guiding young immigrants through the SIJS Visa application with compassion and support. We know that your journey hasn't been easy, and the legal path ahead might seem daunting, but you're not alone in this.

Our Chicago SIJS visa lawyer is dedicated to protecting the rights of young people and helping them build a life of safety and opportunity here in the United States.

Contact Ibrahim Law Office today at (312) 767-8611 or fill out our online form to schedule a confidential consultation with our compassionate SIJS attorney.

Who Is Eligible for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status?

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status is designed to protect immigrant children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment by one or both parents. The SIJS visa is one of many visa types that allows immigrants to lawfully reside in the U.S. and begin their path to permanent residency.

Our SIJS Lawyer can help you understand more about the specific requirements that must be met in order to qualify. Applicants for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status must be:

  • Under 21 years old when they first file for SIJS
  • Unmarried
  • Present in the United States
  • In possession of a valid juvenile court predicate order that meets specific requirements
  • Unable to reunite with one or both of your parents because of abuse, neglect, abandonment, or a similar condition under state law
  • Aware that it's against your best interest to go back to your home country or the last place you lived

It's important to understand that eligibility for SIJS is determined on a case-by-case basis and that the specific details of each situation can significantly impact the outcome.

What Is the SIJS Visa Application Process?

Securing Special Immigrant Juvenile Status is a multi-step process. Our Chicago SIJS visa Lawyer is deeply experienced in guiding young people through this complex legal journey:

Step 1: Juvenile Court Proceedings

Applicants must obtain a "predicate order" from a juvenile court to begin the SIJS visa process. This crucial step forms the foundation of your application for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. The court must make the following findings to establish your SIJS eligibility:

  1. You're dependent on the court, or you've been placed under the custody of a state agency, department, or someone the court has appointed.
  2. You can't be reunited with one or both of your parents because of abuse, neglect, abandonment, or something similar under state law.
  3. It's not in your best interest to go back to your home country or the last place you lived.

Our SIJS visa attorney works diligently on behalf of clients to ensure all necessary evidence is presented to the court. Our immigration team knows how sensitive these issues can be–that’s why we handle these proceedings with compassionate care and attention to detail.

Step 2: Filing Form I-360

Once you’ve secured your juvenile court order, the next step is to file Form I-360.

This is your official application for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, sent directly to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Our SIJS visa attorney prepares this petition for applicants and makes sure all the required documents are included and that the application presents a clear and compelling case for SIJS approval.

Step 3: Adjustment of Status (Form I-485)

Once USCIS approves your I-360 form, the next step is applying for your green card. In order to apply for your green card you must complete and file Form I-485.

In some cases, our SIJS attorney may be able to file the I-485 at the same time as the I-360, which could speed things up.

Working With USCIS

Throughout the duration of this process, applicants must respond to requests from USCIS. This might mean answering their questions, going to appointments to give your fingerprints, or even attending interviews.

Don't worry - our SIJS visa lawyer walks young applicants through the process with support and compassion, making sure everything goes smoothly.

Appealing a Denial

If your application gets denied at any stage of the SIJS application, our SIJS visa lawyer is experienced in filing appeals or motions to reopen or reconsider.

After a denial, our immigration law firm makes a detailed assessment of the reasons for the denial and builds a strong legal strategy that addresses any issues in the original application.

How Can SIJ Status Lead to a Green Card?

One of the best things about Special Immigrant Juvenile Status is that it can lead to lawful permanent residency in the U.S. Once your SIJS is approved, you become eligible to apply for a green card through the adjustment of status process.

This move from SIJS to permanent residency is a huge step towards building a stable and secure life here in the United States.

Here are some key facts our Chicago SIJS visa lawyer wants you to know about the green card application for SIJS recipients:

  • You'll be considered an "immediate relative," which is good news because it means there's no yearly cap on the number of green cards available to you.
  • You might be eligible for a waiver of certain things that would normally prevent someone from getting a green card.
  • The process usually involves submitting Form I-485, along with supporting documents, and you might need to attend an interview with USCIS.

Our Chicago SIJS visa lawyer guides juvenile clients on their journey to permanent residency, supporting their immigration goals all along the way. Our Chicago law firm ensures applicants meet USCIS requirements and we do everything we can to make the path to permanent residency as smooth as possible.

Why Choose Ibrahim Law Office as Your Special Immigrant Juveniles Visa Lawyer in Chicago?

When it comes to something as important as your immigration status, you want to be sure you have the support of compassionate professionals who honor your story. Here's why our Chicago SIJS visa lawyer stands out:

Proven Track Record

Our immigration team has successfully handled a multitude of SIJS cases. Deeply experienced in managing both juvenile court proceedings and USCIS applications, we’ve helped countless clients obtain SIJ status. We use this experience to anticipate potential challenges and develop effective strategies for each unique case.

Compassionate and Understanding

We get it–the SIJS process can be emotionally difficult for young immigrants and their families. Our legal approach emphasizes empathy and understanding. Our SIJS visa lawyer is here to provide both legal guidance and emotional support throughout your journey.

Experienced Immigration Attorneys

Our SIJS visa lawyers know immigration law inside and out, and we stay up-to-date with the latest changes in SIJS regulations. Our dedication allows us to provide the best possible representation and adapt our strategies to any changes in the legal landscape.

Multilingual Services

We know how important clear communication is when it comes to legal matters. That's why our team offers services in multiple languages. We want to make sure that language barriers never get in the way of our clients pursuing justice and stability.

How Could a Chicago Special Immigrant Juveniles Visa Lawyer Help You?

The support of an experienced SIJS visa attorney not only improves your chances for a successful application but also brings a sense of ease to the complex process. Think of it this way–if you were climbing a mountain, wouldn't you want an experienced guide? Think of our firm as a similar guide through the SIJS application.

Here's how our SIJS visa attorney could help you:

  • Evaluate whether you're eligible for SIJS and look into other immigration options if needed
  • Prepare and present your case in juvenile court to get that required predicate order
  • Carefully complete and file all the necessary USCIS forms and supporting documents
  • Represent you in all your dealings with USCIS, including responding to requests for evidence and attending interviews
  • Guide you on how to maintain your eligibility throughout the application process
  • Provide emotional support and connect you with additional resources if you need them

When you trust us with your case, you're not just getting legal representation–you're getting a dedicated advocate who's committed to securing your future here in the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions About Special Immigrant Juvenile Status

Have more questions to ask from a Special Immigrant Juveniles visa lawyer in Chicago, IL?

Here are answers to some of the most common questions we get asked:

What Happens if I Turn 21 During the SIJ Application Process?

USCIS generally considers the applicant's age at the time of filing the I-360 petition. If you were under 21 when you filed, you may still be eligible for SIJS even if you turn 21 while your application is in progress.

Can I Apply for SIJS If I Entered the U.S. Without Documentation?

Yes, you can still apply for SIJS even if you entered the country without proper documentation. What matters is your current situation and eligibility, not how you entered the country.

How Long Does it Take to Get SIJ Status and a Green Card?

The time it takes can vary a lot depending on your individual circumstances and how busy USCIS is. Generally, the process can take several months to over a year. But don't worry–our SIJS Visa attorney works hard to keep your case moving forward as efficiently as possible.

Do I Need My Parents' Consent to Apply for SIJS?

No, you don't need your parents' consent to apply for SIJS. In fact, the whole basis for SIJS often involves situations where parental care isn't in the child's best interest.

What if the Court Refuses to Make the Required Findings for SIJS?

If a juvenile court doesn't make the necessary findings, we might be able to appeal the decision or ask them to reconsider. Our SIJS visa attorney can look at your situation and advise you on the best way to move forward.

Can SIJ Status Be Revoked or Taken Away?

While it's rare, SIJS can be revoked in certain circumstances, like if there was fraud in the application process or if the reason for the status no longer exists.

Contact an SIJS Visa Lawyer in Chicago, IL Today

We know the journey to Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and eventually becoming a permanent resident can be complicated. But remember, you don't have to go through it alone.

Our SIJS visa attorney in Chicago is here to stand by your side.

If you think you or someone you know might be eligible for SIJS, don't wait to reach out. The sooner you start your application, the better position you'll be in to secure a stable and promising future here in the United States.

Give us a call today at (312) 767-8611 or fill out our online form to schedule a confidential consultation.

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*Please note: We require a consultation fee. The consultation fee will be credited towards our service fees.*

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