I-360, I-485
VAWA self-petitions
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) lets certain survivors of battery or extreme cruelty apply for immigration status on their own, without the abuser's knowledge or help. Despite its name, the law protects people of any gender. We prepare the self-petition with care for safety and privacy, and plan the step to a green card.
Your attorney
Assigned at booking
Last reviewed September 2026
New to this?
A self-petition is a petition the applicant files for themselves. Under VAWA it takes the place of the petition the abusive U.S. citizen or permanent resident relative could have filed. Federal law limits what immigration authorities may disclose about a VAWA case, and it bars them from relying only on information supplied by the abuser.
See the glossaryWho this is for
- Spouses and former spouses of abusive U.S. citizens or permanent residents
- Children abused by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident parent
- Parents abused by an adult U.S. citizen son or daughter
- Parents whose child was abused by their U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse
How we help
- Safety and privacy first
- We agree how and where to contact you, and we use a safe mailing address for notices.
- Evidence of the relationship and the abuse
- We gather police reports, protective orders, medical records and statements from shelters, counsellors and people who know you. Formal records help, but they are not required.
- Remaining requirements
- We document good moral character, shared residence with the abuser and, for spouses, that the marriage was entered in good faith.
- Green card step
- We prepare the green card application and work permit request, together with the self-petition where the law allows.
Forms involved
- I-360Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant
- I-485Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
- I-765Application for Employment Authorization
- I-751Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, with an abuse waiver
Government filing fees are listed on our filing fees page.
Timeline
VAWA self-petitions commonly take more than a year to decide, and times vary widely. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may first issue a prima facie determination, a preliminary finding that the petition appears to qualify, which can help with access to some public benefits.
Document checklist
A starting list. We send a checklist for your case after the consultation.
- Proof of the abuser's U.S. citizenship or permanent residence, if available
- Marriage certificate or birth certificates showing the relationship
- Evidence that you lived with the abuser
- Evidence of the abuse, such as police reports, protective orders, medical or counselling records and statements
- Your personal statement
- Police clearances from places you have lived
Questions clients ask
Will the abuser find out?
Do I need a police report?
Can men file under VAWA?
What if we are divorced?
Can I work while the case is pending?
What if I have a conditional green card?
Tell us where you are. We will show you the way forward.
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