EB-1A
Special Immigrant in New Jersey

Special Immigrant Legal Services in New Jersey

Some immigration categories apply to narrowly defined circumstances rather than a general family or investment relationship. Understanding whether you fit a particular classification is the first step toward evaluating a case. Omojola Law assists clients in New Jersey and nationwide with special immigrant questions, including matters involving vulnerable young people and qualifying religious work.

Special Immigrant in New Jersey

Special Immigrant Categories Have Specific Requirements

“Special immigrant” is a legal classification, not a general description of a deserving or unusual case.

Many special immigrant categories fall within the employment-based fourth preference, commonly called EB-4.

Requirements depend on the category. A strategy should begin with the applicable classification and evidence rather than an assumption that difficult circumstances automatically qualify.

Special Immigrant Juvenile Matters

Special Immigrant Juvenile classification may be relevant to certain unmarried young people under 21 with a qualifying state court order addressing specified parental and best-interest findings.

The state court’s authority and applicable age limits also matter.

The state proceeding and federal immigration petition serve different functions. A qualifying court order does not itself grant permanent residence.

Timing, the young person’s circumstances, and requirements for later immigration steps must be evaluated together.

Religious Worker Questions

Certain religious workers may have a relevant special immigrant pathway, depending on the role, sponsoring organization, work history, and currently applicable rules.

Some program provisions are time limited and require current verification.

We evaluate the proposed religious work and available records. A position with a religious organization does not automatically establish qualification for a particular classification.

Questions about your case? Speak with Attorney Ade Omojola.
Call 732.704.5021
Immigration Services Nationwide

Extraordinary Ability Is a Separate Classification

Extraordinary-ability immigration may be relevant to some professionals, artists, athletes, and other highly accomplished individuals.

However, EB-1A is not a special immigrant EB-4 category.

If your background raises an extraordinary-ability question, it should be evaluated separately against the correct requirements.

Evaluating Your Options

We begin with the facts that may establish eligibility and deadlines that could affect the case.

Then we identify available records, information requiring further work, and the proposed scope of representation.

Clients should provide earlier immigration filings, relevant court records, identity documents, and materials connected to the proposed classification.

Complete information helps prevent a plan from relying on an incorrect assumption.

Special Immigrant Categories

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 green card pathways we handle include:

01 Extraordinary Ability Green Card (EB-1A)
02 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.

Litigation

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?

01

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?

02

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

03
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

04

To qualify under EB-1A, you must demonstrate either receipt of a one-time, major internationally recognized award (e.g., Nobel Prize), or 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

05

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.

Child Custody

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:

01 Be under 21 years old at the time of filing
02 Be currently residing in the United States
03 Be unmarried
04 Be declared dependent on a juvenile court, or placed in the custody of a state agency, guardian, or individual
05 Have a court finding that reunification with one or both parents is not viable due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment
06 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:

01
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.
02
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.
03
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:

01
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.
02
Jurisdictional variation
Each state has different requirements for family or dependency court findings. Our firm has experience navigating these nuances.
03
Proof of abuse or abandonment
SIJ requires strong documentation. We help gather affidavits, reports, and testimony to establish eligibility.
04
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:

01 Juvenile court representation for guardianship or dependency proceedings
02 Preparation and filing of I-360 petitions with supporting documents
03 Adjustment of Status applications and supporting filings
04 Interview preparation and communication with USCIS
05 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?

01
Proven Track Record
We’ve helped clients from around the globe obtain green cards through EB-1A, SIJ, and special immigrant categories—even in complex and contested cases.
02
Cross-Disciplinary Experience
Our work spans both immigration and family law, allowing us to handle guardianship, juvenile dependency, and SIJ applications under one roof.
03
Meticulous Preparation
Every petition is prepared with careful attention to evidence, legal theory, and presentation. We leave no room for avoidable denials or RFEs.
04
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:

01
Eligibility Assessment
We start with a consultation to analyze your history, immigration status, and available legal options.
02
Strategic Documentation
We help collect and refine all necessary evidence—awards, reports, expert letters, court orders, and financial records.
03
Robust Petition Filing
Our team drafts strong, narrative-driven petitions that go beyond checklists and create a clear case story for adjudicators.
04
Ongoing Representation
From USCIS interviews to court hearings and appeals, we remain involved every step of the way.
Immigration Services Nationwide

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does an approved special immigrant petition automatically provide a green card?

No. Permanent-residence processing has additional requirements, and visa availability may affect timing.

Is every child who experienced family hardship eligible for SIJ classification?

No. Specific court findings and federal requirements must be met.

Can you advise clients outside New Jersey?

Our immigration practice serves clients nationwide. Any required state court work must be handled by counsel authorized in that jurisdiction.

Discuss Your Circumstances

Call Omojola Law at 732.704.5021 to arrange a consultation.

Attorney Ade Omojola
Meet Our Attorney

Ade Omojola Attorney at Law

Attorney Ade Omojola is a seasoned attorney with over 14 years in law practice. As the founder of the firm based in New Jersey, he has built a reputation with clients for relentless dedication, exceptional legal skills, and a problem-solving approach. He is known for providing strategic advice and dedicated representation, ensuring clients’ rights are protected and their interests are secured. When not practicing law, he is an advocate and a consistent voice for the rights of the Yoruba People, by which he worked on matters filed at the International Criminal Court, and the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice.

Education
Seton Hall University School of Law
New Jersey City University
Bar Admissions
State of New Jersey
United States District Court, New Jersey
United States Court of Appeals, Third Circuit