Visas for Victim

Under the federal law Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), you may be eligible to become a lawful permanent resident (get a Green Card) if you are the victim of battery or extreme cruelty committed by a:

• U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or former spouse

• U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident parent

• U.S. citizen son or daughter

You may qualify even if:

• You are divorced (if the divorce occurred within 2 years of filing and is related to the abuse)

• The abuser lost their status due to an incident related to the abuse

Yes because USCIS understands to mail any notices to our law firm address because we will use our address to receive Notices on your behalf. This is why it is important for our team to update clients timely (same day if possible).

If you are in the United States, you may file VAWA Self-Petition (No government filing fee) & Application to Adjust Status for Residency if abuser is immediate relative per USCIS definition. If you are outside the U.S., you must go through Consular Processing via your local U.S. embassy

Tip: You can file both forms together (concurrently) if your priority date is current.

Yes. If you file Form I-485, you are eligible to also file Form I-765 (Work Authorization).

You may also request Advance Parole (Form I-131) to travel outside the U.S. while your case is pending.

Your unmarried children under 21 years old may also qualify for a Green Card as derivative beneficiaries of your VAWA petition.

Children may file for adjustment of status or consular processing based on your approved Form I-360. Each person is required to file theit own adjustment of status application.

Yes, you have less than 2 years to file for VAWA from date of abuse. This is why you need our legal team to prepare and file this as soon as possible.