Green Card Based on SIJ Status

Once you have met all the eligibility requirements for SIJ status, you need to establish your eligibility for a green card.  You may need to file for a waiver in order to get a green card if you have certain ineligibilities (known as “inadmissibilities”).

For example, you might not qualify for a green card if you are (or were):

• A risk to people or property, because of a mental or physical disorder
• A prostitute or pimp
• A drug addict or abuser
• An alien smuggler

However, the law has exceptions. For example, you may receive an exemption if you:

• Now get medical treatment that controls a dangerous mental or physical disorder
• Were forced into prostitution
• Were arrested only once for drugs, and only for 30 grams or less of marijuana
• Had smuggled only your parents or brothers/sisters into the United States

In addition, many of the reasons other green card applicants do not qualify might NOT apply to you as an SIJ, such as if you:

• Cannot financially support yourself
• Are unlawfully present in the United States
• Entered the United States by hiding on a boat, airplane, or other transport (as a stowaway)
• Do not have a proper visa or passport

USCIS can waive most other disqualifying grounds if you show a good reason for a waiver, such as:

• Humanitarian concerns or in the public interest.

In order to request a waiver, file a Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility.