The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) allows abused spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents to self-petition for immigration status — without the abuser's knowledge or consent.
VAWA is a federal law that provides immigration relief to victims of domestic violence. It allows certain family members of abusive U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents to file their own immigration petition — a "self-petition" — without depending on the abuser to sponsor them. The entire process is confidential, and USCIS cannot contact the abuser.
VAWA petitions are completely confidential. USCIS will not contact or inform your abuser about your application. Your safety is the top priority throughout the entire process.
Unlike most family-based immigration, you do not need your abuser to file a petition for you. You can self-petition independently, taking control of your own immigration future.
VAWA protection is available to the following individuals who have been subjected to battery or extreme cruelty:
Current or former spouses of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents who have been subjected to battery or extreme cruelty during the marriage. Divorced spouses may still qualify if within 2 years of divorce.
Unmarried children under 21 who have been abused by their U.S. citizen or permanent resident parent. Children may also qualify as derivatives of an abused spouse's petition.
Parents who have been abused by their adult U.S. citizen son or daughter (21 years or older). This provision recognizes that elder abuse is also a serious concern.
VAWA covers a broad range of abuse, including physical violence, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, threats, intimidation, isolation, economic control, and other forms of extreme cruelty. You do not need a police report or criminal conviction to qualify.
Our compassionate and experienced attorneys handle every VAWA case with the sensitivity and urgency it deserves.
We listen to your story in a safe, confidential environment and assess your eligibility for VAWA protection.
We help you collect evidence of abuse and your qualifying relationship, including declarations, medical records, and other documentation.
We prepare and file your VAWA self-petition (Form I-360) with USCIS, ensuring every requirement is met for approval.
Once approved, we help you apply for work authorization and adjustment of status to obtain your permanent green card.
Protection from deportation while your case is pending with USCIS.
Eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to work legally.
Eligibility to apply for lawful permanent residency after approval.
Derivative benefits may be available for your children.
There is no USCIS filing fee for the VAWA self-petition.
Access to certain public benefits to help you rebuild your life safely.
No. VAWA cases are handled with strict confidentiality. USCIS cannot disclose any information about your case to your abuser. They will not contact or notify them. Your safety is the top priority throughout the process.
Yes. Despite its name, the Violence Against Women Act protects all victims of domestic violence regardless of gender. Men who have been abused by their U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse can and do file VAWA self-petitions.
No. While a police report can be helpful evidence, it is not required. We can help build your case using other evidence such as your personal declaration, medical records, photos, text messages, restraining orders, letters from counselors, and declarations from people who know about the abuse.
Yes, in many cases. If you are divorced, you may still be eligible if you file within 2 years of the divorce and can show the divorce was connected to the abuse. If you are separated but not divorced, you can still file. Even if your abuser has passed away, you may be eligible if you file within 2 years.
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