Welcome to the VAWA Help Center your trusted source for compassionate, confidential, and professional guidance with VAWA self-petitions and adjustment of status applications, whether you’re living inside or outside the United States. We are committed to helping individuals of all genders and backgrounds find safety, stability, and legal status through the protections provided under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), as amended.
VAWA offers a lifeline for immigrants who have suffered physical, emotional, sexual, verbal, psychological, or financial abuse by certain qualifying family members. Through this provision, you can self-petition for lawful immigration status without the knowledge, involvement, or control of your abuser.
Learn More About VAWAWe work with individuals who have been abused by:
If you are or were married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who subjected you to abuse.
If you are the child (unmarried, under 21) of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who has abused you.
If you are the parent of a U.S. citizen (21 or older) who has abused you.
You may be eligible to file a VAWA self-petition (Form I-360) if:
You are or were married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who subjected you to abuse, or you are the parent of a U.S. citizen (21 or older) who has abused you, or you are the child (unmarried, under 21) of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who has abused you. You must have also suffered **battery or extreme cruelty**.
You resided with the abuser at some point and you are a person of good moral character.
You can prove a qualifying relationship, even if the marriage has ended due to divorce, death, or annulment under certain conditions. VAWA protections are available regardless of **gender, sexual orientation, immigration status, or financial situation.**
If you are in the United States, you may be eligible to apply for adjustment of status (Form I-485) to become a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) once your VAWA petition is approved and an immigrant visa is available. If you are outside the U.S., you may complete the process through **consular processing** at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
VAWA applicants are exempt from many bars that usually apply to other immigrants, such as:
Once you receive your green card under VAWA, you can apply for U.S. citizenship:
If your abusive spouse was a U.S. citizen and you remained married until your self-petition was filed or approved.
If your abuser was a lawful permanent resident or your situation doesn’t qualify under the three-year rule.
As a lawful permanent resident, you will be able to live and work in the U.S. freely, apply for a Social Security number, travel internationally, and eventually sponsor certain family members for legal status.
We understand the trauma, fear, and uncertainty that come with abusive relationships — especially for immigrants. Our goal is to provide a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space where you can get the help you need to break free and start over. We walk with you through every step of the process, offering:
Tailored advice to understand your unique situation and eligibility.
Expert help with preparing and submitting your VAWA Form I-360.
Seamless support for your green card application (Form I-485).
Assistance in collecting and organizing crucial supporting documents.
Thorough preparation for any required USCIS interviews (if applicable).
Guidance on your journey towards becoming a U.S. citizen.
No one deserves to suffer in silence. Let us help you reclaim your peace, dignity, and future through the protections of the law.
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