If you are applying for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), you may be wondering how long it takes to actually receive your green card. The SIJS process can be life-changing, but it also involves several steps — from obtaining a court order to waiting for immigration approval.

At Whitaker Legal, our Maryland immigration lawyers helped many young immigrants across the U.S. understand and navigate the SIJS timeline. While each case is different, here’s what you should know about how long it typically takes to get a green card through SIJS.

Understanding the SIJS Process

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) is an immigration benefit for minors who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents. It allows eligible youth to apply for lawful permanent residence (a green card) and eventually citizenship.

To qualify, you must:

• Be under 21 years old and unmarried at the time of filing;

• Have a juvenile court order showing you cannot reunify with one or both parents due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment; and

• Have a finding that it’s not in your best interest to return to your home country.

Step-by-Step: How Long Each Stage Takes

1. Juvenile Court Process (approx. 3–12 months)
   The first step is obtaining a predicate orderfrom a state juvenile or family court (in Maryland or another state). The timeline depends on the court’s schedule and the complexity of your situation. Some cases can move quickly, while others take several months.
2. Filing the SIJS Petition (Form I-360) (approx. 2–12 months for approval)
   After getting the court order, your attorney files Form I-360with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

• Processing times vary depending on USCIS workload but you can find the current processing times on the USCIS website.

• You must wait for your I-360 approval before you can apply for your green card.

3. Waiting for a Visa Number (Varies by Country)
   Once the I-360 is approved, you must wait until a visa becomes availablein your category. Visa availability for SIJS applicants has shifted over time and can change based on demand, policy decisions, and processing trends, so current wait times may not reflect what future applicants will experience.

   Think of the visa system like a line based on country of birth. Each year, Congress limits how many green cards can be issued in each category and to each country. When more people apply than there are visas available, a wait list forms, sometimes leaving applicants waiting years.

Your place in line is determined by your priority date, which is usually the date USCIS receives your I-360 SIJS petition. Until your priority date becomes “current” on the visa bulletin, USCIS cannot approve the green card application — even if your SIJS petition has already been approved.

Visa availability for SIJS cases depends on the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin. For many countries, immigrant visas for SIJS applicants have historically been current, meaning applicants can move forward with their green card application without a long wait. But that has changed over the years.

To determine your wait time, find the current Visa Bulletin on the U.S. Department of State website and look up the Employment-Based “4th” Category.

You may be able to request deferred action (protection against deportation) and a work permit during this time.

4. Applying for a Green Card (Form I-485) (approx. 8–14 months)
   When your priority date becomes current, you can file Form I-485 to apply for a green card.

• USCIS usually takes 8 to 14 months to process this application. Check the USCIS for current processing times.

• During this stage, you can also apply for work authorization so you can work legally while waiting for your green card decision.

Why Legal Representation Matters

SIJS cases involve multiple agencies and strict deadlines. A small error — like missing a filing window or submitting incomplete documents — can cause long delays.

At Whitaker Legal, our team helps young immigrants:

• Obtain the required state court findings;

• Prepare and file the I-360 and I-485 petitions accurately;

• Track visa availability and USCIS updates; and

• Secure work authorization while waiting for their green card.

Our goal is to help you move forward with confidence and build a stable future in the U.S.

Work With an Experienced Maryland Immigration Attorney

If you or your child are applying for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) and want to know how long it will take to receive your green card, Whitaker Legal can help.

Attorney Nicole M. Whitaker has extensive experience guiding young immigrants in Maryland and nationwide through every step of the SIJS process.

Call Whitaker Legal at 410-207-9272 or visit whitaker-legal.com to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how we can help you build a future without barriers.