VAWA: A Path to Safety and Status for Survivors

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) offers a crucial, confidential avenue for individuals who have endured domestic violence, battery, or extreme cruelty. It allows qualifying spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) to "self-petition" for immigration benefits. 
 

This means survivors can seek legal status independently, without any involvement, consent, or even knowledge of their abuser – a vital provision designed to empower those escaping manipulative and dangerous situations.
 

Key Protections & Benefits of VAWA Immigration

VAWA provides unique and vital safeguards for survivors, distinguished by:
 

• Independent Petitioning: File your own immigration petition without the abuser's involvement or knowledge, eliminating their control.

• Assured Confidentiality: USCIS keeps your application private from the abuser, prioritizing your safety.

• Universal Application: Open to all genders – men, women, and children who meet the criteria.

• Broad Definition of Abuse: VAWA recognizes the multifaceted nature of abuse. Include emotional, psychological, sexual, financial manipulation, threats, coercion, and intimidation.

• Protection from Deportation: Offers immediate or eventual protection from removal once your petition is filed or approved.

• Work Authorization & Green Card Pathway: An approved VAWA petition generally grants eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), allowing you to work legally, and typically leads directly to lawful permanent residency (a Green Card). 

• Public Charge Exemption: VAWA self-petitioners generally exempt from the public charge rule, protecting those who may need public assistance.

• Flexibility for Past Violations: Can provide relief even if you entered without inspection, overstayed, or had unauthorized employment.
  
   

Who Qualifies for VAWA Immigration Relief?

VAWA self-petitioning is specifically tailored for individuals who have endured battery or extreme cruelty within certain family relationships.
 

1. Abused Spouses (or Former Spouses)​

​

You may qualify if currently married to, or recently divorced from (within two years due to abuse), a U.S. Citizen (USC) or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) abuser. This also includes situations where the marriage was invalid due to the abuser's bigamy, the abuser lost status due to domestic violence, or your USC/LPR spouse abused your child. Key requirements include residing with the abuser, entering the marriage in good faith, and demonstrating good moral character.

2. Abused Children​

​

An unmarried child under 21 (or 21-25 in specific cases of delayed filing due to abuse) who suffered battery or extreme cruelty from a USC or LPR parent may be eligible. You must have resided with the abuser and show good moral character.

​3. Abused Parents​

​

You may qualify if you are the parent of a U.S. Citizen son or daughter (age 21 or older) who has abused you. Requirements include having resided with the abuser and demonstrating good moral character.

​

We understand the immense courage it takes to seek freedom. Let us be your steadfast advocate in securing the protection and immigration relief you deserve. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.
 

​

🔍  Additional Resources

🔗 Abused Spouses, Children and Parents: Click here to learn more.

​

🔗 Green Card for VAWA Self-Petitioner: Click here to learn more. 

​

🔗 Case Status: Click here to check the status of your case online using your USCIS Receipt Number.

​

🕒 Processing Times: Click here to check current USCIS processing times.

​

📦 Address Changes: All non-immigrants and permanent residents are required to notify USCIS of any address change within 10 days of moving. Click here to create an account and submit your change of address online.