Houston Juvenile Visa Lawyer

The Houston juvenile visa lawyers at J. Lopez Law are dedicated to helping minors navigate the complexities of U.S. immigration laws. Juvenile visas are a critical component of immigration relief for children and young adults who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned. Our experienced family immigration attorneys are here to guide you through each step of the process, ensuring that the best interests of the child are always prioritized.

What is a Juvenile Visa?

Juvenile visas, often referred to as Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), provide a pathway to lawful permanent residency (a Green Card) for minors under 21 years of age who have been subject to abuse, neglect, or abandonment by one or both parents. This immigration relief is designed to protect vulnerable children and provide them with a safe and stable environment in the United States. During an initial consultation, a Houston attorney could further explain the differences between regular visas and juvenile visas.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a juvenile visa, a minor must meet the following criteria:

• Be under 21 years of age and unmarried.
• Have been declared dependent on a juvenile court, or placed under the custody of a state agency, department, or individual by such a court before the age of 18.
• The court must have determined that reunification with one or both parents is not viable due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
• It must be in the best interest of the minor to remain in the United States rather than be returned to their home country.

The dedicated lawyers at J. Lopez Law in Houston can help a minor determine whether they are eligible to apply for a juvenile visa.

The SIJS Application Process

While filing any kind of immigration application can be overwhelming, a juvenile visa lawyer in Houston can explain the process and ensure it is completed correctly. The juvenile visa application process occurs as follows:

1. State Court Findings: The process begins in a state juvenile court, where the court issues findings on the minor’s eligibility for SIJS, including dependency or custody orders, and determinations regarding parental reunification and the minor’s best interests. Must be completed prior to 18 years of age.
2. Filing with USCIS: Once the state court order is obtained, the minor can apply for SIJS with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) using Form I-360. This step requires detailed documentation, including the state court findings and proof of the child’s eligibility.
3. Adjustment of Status: After SIJS approval, the next step is to apply for Adjustment of Status to become a lawful permanent resident. This involves filing Form I-485, along with supporting documents such as medical examinations and financial support evidence.

Why Choose J. Lopez Law?

Navigating the legal system can be overwhelming, especially when it involves the well-being of a child. At J. Lopez Law, we have a compassionate and skilled team that understands the sensitive nature of juvenile visas. Our Houston attorneys are committed to providing personalized legal services, ensuring that each juvenile visa case is handled with the utmost care and professionalism. We strive to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible for both minors and their families.  We have also had success with this process and getting visas granted!

Contact a Houston Attorney to Discuss Juvenile Visas

If you believe that a minor in your care may be eligible for a juvenile visa, contact J. Lopez Law, today. Our team is ready to provide you with the guidance and support needed to protect the future of the child involved. Reach out to schedule a consultation with a Houston juvenile visa lawyer and take the first step toward securing a safe and stable future for your loved one.