USCIS Updates Guidance for Special Immigrant Juvenile Petitions

Effective immediately, we are updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual (PDF, 343.18 KB) for adjudicating Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) petitions. This update will make the SIJ adjudication process more efficient for some applicants.

We are updating this guidance to align with the July 31, 2023, declaratory order in Casa Libre/Freedom House v. Mayorkas. The 180-day time frame for USCIS to adjudicate an SIJ petition applies only to the initial adjudication of an SIJ petition. It does not extend to the adjudication of any motion or appeal filed after a denial of an SIJ petition.

SIJ is an immigration classification for noncitizens in the United States who need the protection of a juvenile court because they have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by a parent. They may apply for SIJ classification using Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant. Noncitizens with SIJ classification may qualify for lawful permanent resident status (also known as getting a Green Card).