Another VAWA wins certify for Client who was in an abusive relationship but only lived with her husband for a short period and did not have police or hospital reports. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) creates and supports broad, practical responses to local violence, sexual assault, dating violence and hunting. VAWA sends the unique issues faced by victims of domestic violence and abuse and provides certain noncitizen family members of abusive U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) the ability to self-petition for immigrant classification without the abuser’s knowledge, consent, or participation in the immigration process.
— How VAWA self-petitions and related relief protect survivors
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) allows certain abused spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents to apply for immigration relief without the abuser’s knowledge or cooperation. A successful VAWA case can lead to lawful permanent resident status and, for some survivors, a path to citizenship. This page summarizes when VAWA applies, the evidence needed, the legal process, and practical next steps after a win.
Quick summary
- Who can file: qualifying abused spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens or LPRs; eligibility hinges on relationship, qualifying abuse, and related statutory elements.
- What VAWA does: enables a survivor to self-petition (Form I-360) and, if eligible, to seek adjustment of status (I-485) without the abuser’s cooperation.
- Confidentiality: VAWA filings are treated as sensitive; USCIS and EOIR take steps to protect survivors’ privacy.
Evidence & documentation
- Sworn declaration describing the abuse in detail (chronology, actors, effects).
- Corroboration: police reports, medical records, orders of protection, witness statements, photographs, texts/emails.
- Relationship proof: marriage and birth certificates, joint bills, lease documents, and other joint-life evidence.
Practice tips
- Prepare a detailed, consistent declaration and supplement with strong corroborating exhibits.
- If primary records are missing, gather secondary evidence and witness declarations to reconstruct events.
- Screen for good-moral-character issues and prepare mitigation materials early.
We prepare I-360 petitions, coordinate adjustment/EOIR filings, assemble supporting evidence, and provide safety-first client communications and post-approval guidance. Contact us for a confidential intake if you or a client needs help.