Special Immigrant Juvenile Status Pomona

Quick Answer

Pomona, located in Los Angeles County's Pomona Valley, has a diverse immigrant community including many vulnerable youth who may qualify for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). This important protection offers a path to lawful permanent residence for children who have suffered abuse, neglect, or abandonment. SoCal Immigration Services helps families and youth navigate this life-changing process.

Reviewed for accuracy by

Maria Santos

DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience

What is Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)?

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status is a form of humanitarian protection for children in the United States who cannot be reunited with one or both parents due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or similar circumstances. SIJS allows eligible youth to apply for lawful permanent residence (green card) regardless of how they entered the United States.

This program recognizes that some children need protection and a stable future in the U.S. because returning to their home country or reunifying with abusive or neglectful parents is not in their best interest.

Who Qualifies for SIJS?

To qualify for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, you must:

•Be under 21 years of age at the time of filing
•Be unmarried
•Be present in the United States
•Have a valid juvenile court order that finds:
• - Reunification with one or both parents is not viable due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or similar basis
• - It is not in your best interest to return to your home country
• - The court has jurisdiction over you (dependency, custody, or guardianship)

The SIJS Process: Two Steps

Obtaining SIJS involves two main phases:

Phase	Court/Agency	Purpose
Step 1: State Court Order	California Juvenile/Family Court	Obtain required findings about abuse/neglect/abandonment
Step 2: USCIS Application	U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services	File Form I-360 for SIJS classification
Step 3: Green Card	USCIS	File Form I-485 for permanent residence (when visa available)

Required State Court Findings

A California state court must make specific findings before you can apply to USCIS. The court order must find:

•The child is dependent on the court, or under custody/guardianship of a state agency, individual, or entity
•Reunification with one or both parents is not viable due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or a similar basis under state law
•It is not in the child's best interest to be returned to their home country or country of last habitual residence

Types of Court Cases That Can Lead to SIJS

Several types of state court proceedings can result in SIJS-qualifying orders:

•Dependency cases (child welfare/foster care)
•Custody cases in family court
•Guardianship cases (probate court)
•Delinquency cases (in some circumstances)
•Adoption cases

Age Considerations in California

California allows SIJS petitions for individuals under 21, but there are important age thresholds:

• Under 18: Full access to juvenile court dependency and guardianship proceedings
• 18-20: May still qualify if court retains jurisdiction (e.g., extended foster care, existing guardianship)

It's crucial to file as early as possible, as turning 21 before USCIS adjudicates your I-360 can result in denial.

Documents Needed for SIJS Application

When preparing your SIJS application, you'll need:

•Certified copy of the state court order with required findings
•Form I-360 (Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant)
•Birth certificate with English translation
•Passport or other identity documents
•Evidence of age (to prove you're under 21)
•Proof of presence in the United States
•Two passport-style photographs
•Filing fee (or fee waiver request)

The SIJS Application Process Step by Step

1
Case Assessment
We evaluate your situation to determine if you may qualify for SIJS
2
State Court Proceedings
Work with an attorney to obtain the required juvenile court order
3
Prepare I-360 Petition
Compile documents and complete the SIJS petition to USCIS
4
File with USCIS
Submit the I-360 petition with supporting evidence
5
Await Visa Availability
Monitor visa bulletin for your priority date (if applicable)
6
Apply for Green Card
File I-485 adjustment of status when visa is available

SIJS Visa Backlog Considerations

Due to annual visa limits, there is currently a significant backlog for SIJS applicants from certain countries, particularly El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. This means:

• Your I-360 may be approved, but you may wait years for a visa number
• During the wait, you may be eligible for work authorization
• It's important to file as early as possible to secure your place in line

Why Choose SoCal Immigration Services?

Serving Pomona and all of Los Angeles County, we offer:

•Compassionate assistance for vulnerable youth
•Arabic and English-speaking staff
•Coordination with attorneys for court proceedings
•Complete I-360 petition preparation
•Guidance throughout the entire process
•Free initial consultation to evaluate your case

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Q:Can I apply for SIJS if I'm already 18?

A: Potentially yes. In California, you may qualify if you're under 21 and a court still has jurisdiction over you—for example, if you're in extended foster care or have an existing guardianship. Time is critical, so consult with us immediately.

Q:Does SIJS affect my parents' immigration status?

A: No, and importantly, SIJS recipients cannot petition for their parents to immigrate. This is by design, as SIJS is for children who cannot safely reunify with their parents.

Q:Can I get SIJS if I entered the U.S. illegally?

A: Yes. SIJS is available regardless of how you entered the United States. Your manner of entry does not disqualify you from this protection.

Q:How long does the SIJS process take?

A: The state court process typically takes 2-6 months. The I-360 petition with USCIS usually takes 6-12 months. If there's a visa backlog for your country, the wait for a green card can take several additional years.

Q:Will I be able to work while waiting for my green card?

A: Once your I-360 is approved, you can apply for employment authorization (EAD) while waiting for visa availability. This allows you to work legally during the waiting period.

Q:Do you offer services in Arabic?

A: Yes! Our staff speaks Arabic fluently, and we provide consultations and services in Arabic for youth and families in Pomona and throughout Los Angeles County.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration services in Pomona and does not constitute legal advice. SoCal Immigration Services is a document preparation company, not a law firm. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed immigration attorney.

Published: January 6, 2026Last Updated: January 6, 2026

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Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) in Pomona: Protection for Abused & Abandoned Youth