VAWA
VAWA self-petitions
Peticiones VAWA
If your U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse, parent or adult child abused you, you can ask for status on your own. Your abuser is not told and does not have to agree.
This page is for you if
- Your spouse is a U.S. citizen or green card holder and has abused you
- Your U.S. citizen or permanent resident parent abused you as a child
- Your adult U.S. citizen son or daughter has abused you
- Someone is using your immigration status to control you
In plain words
The Violence Against Women Act protects people of every gender. It lets a person abused by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident family member file their own petition, without the abuser's help or knowledge.
Abuse does not only mean being hit. It can mean threats, isolation, controlling money, or threatening to call immigration on you.
By federal law, immigration officers cannot tell your abuser that you filed, and cannot act on information that comes only from your abuser. If the petition is approved, many people can then apply for a green card.
How it works with us
- 1 Safety first We ask how to reach you safely and we connect you with local advocates if you want that support.
- 2 Show the relationship Marriage or birth records, and proof you lived with the abuser.
- 3 Show the abuse Your statement, and anything else that exists: messages, photos, reports, letters from counselors or friends.
- 4 Show good moral character Police clearances and letters, with an explanation of any past problems.
- 5 File and follow through We file the self-petition and, when eligible, the green card application.
Start gathering
What to bring to your evaluation
- Your marriage certificate or the birth certificate that shows the relationship
- Proof of the abuser's U.S. citizenship or green card, if you can get it safely
- Anything that shows you lived together: a lease, bills, mail
- Anything about the abuse that already exists. Do not put yourself at risk to collect more.
Copies or phone photos are fine. Never mail us your only original.
The honest part
What we will not pretend
- VAWA cases take time, often more than a year for a first decision.
- Some cases need more evidence than people expect. We help you find what is safe to get.
- If you are in danger right now, call 911 first. We can help with the immigration side after you are safe.
Questions people ask us
All questionsWill my spouse find out?
Not from immigration. Federal confidentiality rules stop officers from telling your abuser about your petition. We also never contact you in a way you have not approved.
We are divorced now. Can I still file?
Often yes, if you file within two years of the divorce and the divorce was connected to the abuse. Talk to us soon.
Is VAWA only for women?
No. Men and women can both file.
This page is general information, not legal advice for your situation. Immigration law changes often. Talk to a lawyer about your own facts before you act.
Free case evaluation
Talk to a lawyer about your case.
The first 30-minute case evaluation is free, by phone, video or in person, in English or Spanish.
Urgent
Someone detained, or a court date soon?
(704) 555-0119Answered 24 hours a day, in English and Spanish.
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