VAWA Help Center

Who Qualifies for VAWA?

Under the federal 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 spouse or former spouse
A U.S. citizen parent
A U.S. citizen son or daughter
A lawful permanent resident (LPR) spouse or former spouse
An LPR parent

Eligibility Requirements

You properly file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
You are physically present in the United States at the time you file your Form I-485
You are eligible to receive an immigrant visa
An immigrant visa is immediately available to you when USCIS makes a final decision
None of the bars to adjustment of status apply to you
You are admissible to the U.S. or eligible for a waiver of inadmissibility
You merit the favorable exercise of USCIS’ discretion

Emotional Abuse

Threats of violence or abandonment
Intentionally frightening or isolating you
Withholding important information
Demeaning language or cultural shaming

Verbal Abuse

Yelling, name calling, threats, or mocking
Humiliation, exclusion, or intimidation
Blaming you for the abuse

Physical Abuse

Bruises, wounds, broken bones, or injuries
Being hit, slapped, restrained, or threatened
Sudden change in behavior due to mistreatment

Financial Abuse

Stealing money or controlling your accounts
Preventing work or education
Using credit irresponsibly or forcing allowance

Sexual Abuse

Forced or coerced sex
Using sex to control or intimidate
Engaging in unwanted sexual activity

Isolation & Neglect

Emotional distance, silence, or social exclusion
Disregarding your needs, feelings, or presence
Repeated cheating or dishonesty

Filing for a Green Card

If you are currently in the United States and meet certain requirements, you may file Form I-485 without leaving the country. A visa must be immediately available or already approved through Form I-360.

File Form I-485 concurrently with I-360
File while Form I-360 is pending
File after I-360 is approved and valid

Need Help?

We can help you complete the VAWA forms, gather documentation, and file your self-petition. If you need legal advice, we can recommend a lawyer free of charge.

Your abuser won't know. USCIS protects your personal data. A "SAFE ADDRESS" is required while your application is pending.

We are with you. Emotional abuse is valid. If you're in therapy or have counseling records, you may still qualify.