VIOLANCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT (VAWA)
VAWA allows certain spouses, children and parents of U.S. citizens and permanent residents (green card holders) to file a petition for themselves without the abuser's knowledge in order to obtain U.S. permanent residence.
I-360 Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant
First the Foreign National files a Self Petition to qualify she/he as a spouse of an abusive U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident. The Foreign National must
prove the marital relationship, and the abuse. Abuse could be physical or psychological. Several times a psychological evaluation by a professional in the
area is recommended.
If the Foreign National meets all filing requirements, she/he will receive Prima Facie Determination Notice valid for 150 days. She/he can present this notice to
government agencies that provide certain public benefits to certain victims of domestic violence
If Form I-360, is approved and the Foreign National does not have legal immigration status in the United States, USCIS may place she/he in deferred action, which
allows you to remain in the United States and obtain employment authorization card.
I-485 Adjustment of Status Application
- Immediate relatives (i.e. spouses, children, and parents of USCs) can file for adjustment at the same time they file their VAWA self-petition
- Preference category individuals (i.e. spouses and children of LPRs) can file for adjustment when their visa priority number becomes available.
I-360 Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant
First the Foreign National files a Self Petition to qualify she/he as a spouse of an abusive U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident. The Foreign National must
prove the marital relationship, and the abuse. Abuse could be physical or psychological. Several times a psychological evaluation by a professional in the
area is recommended.
If the Foreign National meets all filing requirements, she/he will receive Prima Facie Determination Notice valid for 150 days. She/he can present this notice to
government agencies that provide certain public benefits to certain victims of domestic violence
If Form I-360, is approved and the Foreign National does not have legal immigration status in the United States, USCIS may place she/he in deferred action, which
allows you to remain in the United States and obtain employment authorization card.
I-485 Adjustment of Status Application
- Immediate relatives (i.e. spouses, children, and parents of USCs) can file for adjustment at the same time they file their VAWA self-petition
- Preference category individuals (i.e. spouses and children of LPRs) can file for adjustment when their visa priority number becomes available.
