Overview
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) allows abused spouses, children, or parents of U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents to independently petition for green cards without the abuser’s knowledge, consent, or sponsorship. VAWA provides safety, legal status, and financial independence for victims of domestic abuse regardless of gender.
Requirements
A qualifying relationship
The self-petitioner must show that they had a qualifying relationship with a U.S. citizen or permanent resident abuser — or were married to an abuser whose status terminated due to domestic violence within two years.
Shared residence and abuse
The applicant must prove that they resided with the abuser and were subjected to battery or extreme cruelty during the relationship.
Good moral character
The applicant must be a person of good moral character.
A confidential filing
VAWA self-petitions (Form I-360) are filed confidentially with specialized USCIS units without notifying the abuser.
Key benefits
- Completely confidential legal process executed without the abuser’s knowledge or involvement.
- Grants immediate work authorization and deferred action protection upon approval.
- Bypasses standard family sponsorship requirements and financial Affidavit of Support barriers.
- Direct, independent pathway to Lawful Permanent Resident status (Green Cards).