Special Immigrant

Special Immigrant in New Jersey – Omojola Law

Your Unique Pathway to Permanent Residency Starts Here

The U.S. immigration system offers a wide variety of opportunities for individuals to achieve lawful permanent residency, often referred to as obtaining a “green card.” Among these are Special Immigrant categories, a powerful and often underutilized path for those who qualify due to specific life circumstances, humanitarian needs, or extraordinary contributions to their fields. At Omojola Law, we proudly help clients navigate these challenging but rewarding immigration channels with clarity, strategy, and compassion.

Two of the most impactful special immigrant categories we handle include:

• Extraordinary Ability Green Card (EB-1A)
• Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJ)

Whether you’re an internationally recognized professional or a vulnerable child in need of protection, these immigration categories can offer a transformative legal path to lawful permanent residence in the United States.

Extraordinary Ability (EB-1A) Green Card

A Category for the Elite in Their Field

The EB-1A category is an employment-based green card option available to individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. This route is designed to attract top-tier talent to the United States by providing a streamlined, sponsor-free path to permanent residency.

Who Qualifies for EB-1A?

This category is reserved for individuals with:

• Sustained national or international acclaim
• Documented evidence of extraordinary achievements in their field
• An intention to continue work in the same field upon entering the U.S.

What Fields Are Eligible?

The EB-1A green card isn’t just for scientists or Nobel laureates. Eligible professionals may include:

• Researchers with groundbreaking discoveries
• Artists with internationally recognized exhibits or publications
• Entrepreneurs whose innovations have received global coverage
• Educators who’ve received national awards
• Athletes who’ve competed or medaled in global competitions

Advantages of EB-1A

• No employer sponsor required – You can self-petition
• No labor certification (PERM) process
• Fast-tracked processing (often shorter wait times)
• Green cards for dependents (spouse and children under 21)

Proving Extraordinary Ability

To qualify under EB-1A, you must demonstrate either:

1. Receipt of a one-time, major internationally recognized award (e.g., Nobel Prize), OR
2. Meet at least three out of ten specific criteria outlined by USCIS:

• Nationally or internationally recognized lesser awards
• Membership in associations that demand achievement
• Published material in major media about your work
• Judging the work of peers in your field
• Original scholarly or professional contributions
• Authorship of scholarly articles or books
• Artistic exhibitions or showcases
• Critical role in distinguished organizations
• High salary compared to others in your field
• Commercial success in the performing arts

How Omojola Law Can Help with EB-1A Petitions

We know that every extraordinary individual has a unique story. We tailor our strategy to highlight your achievements clearly and powerfully. Our EB-1A legal services include:

• Eligibility analysis based on your academic, artistic, or business background
• Help with collecting and organizing evidence (e.g., press, publications, peer reviews)
• Drafting letters of recommendation from peers or institutions
• Filing the Form I-140, Petition for Alien Worker
• Managing Adjustment of Status or consular processing for a green card

Our goal is to eliminate unnecessary delays by presenting a comprehensive, well-supported application from the outset.

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJ)

A Humanitarian Pathway for Vulnerable Youth

The Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status provides a life-changing immigration solution for certain undocumented minors who have suffered abuse, neglect, or abandonment by one or both parents. This humanitarian category was created to protect children who cannot safely reunite with their families or return to their country of origin. SIJ classification ultimately leads to lawful permanent residency—and a safer, more stable future.

Who Qualifies for SIJ?

To be eligible for SIJ status, the applicant must:

• Be under 21 years old at the time of filing
• Be currently residing in the United States
• Be unmarried
• Be declared dependent on a juvenile court, or placed in the custody of a state agency, guardian, or individual
• Have a court finding that reunification with one or both parents is not viable due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment
• Have a determination that returning to the home country is not in the minor’s best interest

How the SIJ Process Works

Unlike other immigration pathways, SIJ involves both state and federal agencies. The process typically includes:

1. Step 1: Juvenile Court Order – We petition a local family or juvenile court to declare the child dependent and document the abuse, neglect, or abandonment that makes reunification unsafe.
2. Step 2: File Form I-360 – With the court order in hand, we file Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, to USCIS for SIJ classification.
3. Step 3: File Form I-485 – Once the I-360 is approved, the child becomes eligible to apply for a green card through Adjustment of Status.

In certain circumstances, we may file the I-360 and I-485 concurrently to minimize delays.

Common Challenges in SIJ Applications

Because SIJ petitions involve children and sensitive circumstances, they are complex and often time-sensitive. Common issues include:

• Age limitations: The child must remain under 21 until the I-360 is adjudicated. Delays in court or USCIS processing can put eligibility at risk.
• Jurisdictional variation: Each state has different requirements for family or dependency court findings. Our firm has experience navigating these nuances.
• Proof of abuse or abandonment: SIJ requires strong documentation. We help gather affidavits, reports, and testimony to establish eligibility.
• Visa backlogs: Children from certain countries (especially Central America) may face green card delays after I-360 approval. We monitor visa bulletin updates and provide ongoing legal support during wait times.

How Omojola Law Supports SIJ Clients

Our firm provides compassionate, thorough representation for children seeking SIJ status. We work with family members, social workers, guardians, and advocates to ensure every detail of the case is handled with care. Our services include:

• Juvenile court representation for guardianship or dependency proceedings
• Preparation and filing of I-360 petitions with supporting documents
• Adjustment of Status applications and supporting filings
• Interview preparation and communication with USCIS
• Appeals and motions to reopen in case of denial

For young people navigating life alone or recovering from trauma, SIJ offers not just legal protection—but a second chance at a safe, secure life in the United States.

Why Choose Omojola Law for Special Immigrant Cases?

Compassionate Advocates. Strategic Advisors. Proven Results.

Whether you’re applying for a green card based on extraordinary ability or seeking safety and stability through Special Immigrant Juvenile status, your case deserves personalized, experienced, and effective legal counsel. At Omojola Law, we bring a unique blend of empathy and legal excellence to every special immigrant case.

What Sets Us Apart?

• Proven Track Record: We’ve helped clients from around the globe obtain green cards through EB-1A, SIJ, and other special immigrant categories—even in complex and contested cases.
• Cross-Disciplinary Experience: Our work spans both immigration and family law, allowing us to handle guardianship, juvenile dependency, and SIJ applications under one roof.
• Meticulous Preparation: Every petition is prepared with careful attention to evidence, legal theory, and presentation. We leave no room for avoidable denials or RFEs.
• Compassionate Advocacy: Especially in SIJ and humanitarian cases, we bring a trauma-informed, sensitive approach to client representation while remaining fierce advocates in court or before USCIS.

Our Legal Strategy for Success

Our firm tailors every case strategy to the applicant’s background, challenges, and goals. Whether you’re a professional artist, a young scientist, or a child fleeing family abuse, we follow a step-by-step approach designed for maximum success:

• Eligibility Assessment: We start with a consultation to analyze your history, immigration status, and available legal options.
• Strategic Documentation: We help collect and refine all necessary evidence—awards, reports, attorney letters, court orders, and financial records.
• Robust Petition Filing: Our team drafts strong, narrative-driven petitions that go beyond checklists and create a clear case story for adjudicators.
• Ongoing Representation: From USCIS interviews to court hearings and appeals, we remain involved every step of the way.

Let Us Help You Build a Future in the United States

Trusted Legal Help for Extraordinary People and Vulnerable Youth

Whether you are a globally recognized innovator or a young person seeking refuge from a troubled past, we want to help you succeed. Our team at Omojola Law is committed to delivering results that not only protect your rights but open doors to opportunity and safety.

To learn more about eligibility for these categories, visit the USCIS Special Immigrant page or the State Department’s visa resource.

📞 Contact us today for a confidential immigration consultation. Let’s build your green card strategy—together.