Benefits & Key Limitations of SIJ Status

SIJ status may provide protection from deportation and gives the child legal standing to remain in the United States while the case proceeds. Once status is granted, the child can apply for work authorization. The longer-term pathway may lead to lawful permanent residency and, eventually, U.S. citizenship.

There is one significant federal restriction families must understand before pursuing this route. A child who receives SIJ status can never file an immigration petition for either parent, including a parent who wasn’t the source of abuse or neglect. This restriction is written into federal law and can’t be waived. Children already in removal proceedings can pursue SIJ status at the same time; approval of the I-360 doesn’t automatically terminate those proceedings.