If you are applying for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), you might wonder whether your brothers or sisters can be included in your case — especially if they have gone through similar experiences. Siblings can be included in the same state court petition if they have the same parents, but SIJS is an individual immigration benefit, and each child must file their own separate I-360 with USCIS.

At Whitaker Legal, we help families understand how SIJS works for each child and what other immigration options might be available for siblings. Here’s what you should know.

SIJS Is Granted to Individual Applicants

SIJS is designed to protect children under 21 years old who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents. Because each child’s situation is unique, the process must be completed individually for each applicant.

This means that:

• Each child will ideally have their own family or juvenile court order (but the state court case can include siblings with the same parents);

• Each must file their own Form I-360 petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS); and

• Each must meet the eligibility requirements, including being under 21 and unmarried at the time of filing.

Can a Child With SIJS Help Their Siblings Later?

It’s natural to want to help your brothers or sisters after you receive your green card through SIJS. In the future, once you become a U.S. citizen, you may be able to file a family petition (Form I-130) for your siblings — but that process is separate and can take many years.

Your attorney can help explore other possible immigration options for your siblings based on their individual situations.

Why It’s Important to Work With an Experienced SIJS Attorney

Even though each sibling must apply separately, an experienced attorney can coordinate all the cases together — ensuring that:

• Each child’s court findings are complete and consistent;

• All petitions are filed correctly and on time; and

• Each child’s case is properly tracked with USCIS and immigration court (if applicable).

At Whitaker Legal, we have helped many families with multiple SIJS cases for siblings. Her team understands how to manage timing, evidence, and communication with both state courts and USCIS.

Talk to a Maryland SIJS Lawyer Today

If you have siblings who may also qualify for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, it’s important to take action early. Each child must have their own case, but a skilled attorney can help guide your family through the process together.

Call Whitaker Legal at 410-207-9272 or visit our website to schedule a consultation with us. We’re here to help you and your family build a secure future in the United States.