The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) allows individuals who have experienced domestic violence to self-petition for lawful status in the United States without the abuser’s involvement. A common question is whether VAWA can be filed while living outside the United States. 

 

To be eligible for VAWA, applicants must show they have been abused by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or child. This abuse can be emotional, mental, financial, or physical.  Although VAWA primarily addresses cases within the U.S., individuals outside the country may still seek protection under certain conditions. 

 

 

One key aspect of filing for VAWA from outside the U.S. is that the self-petition must be filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This usually requires that the applicant has previously lived in the U.S. and can prove that the abuse occurred in the U.S. 

 

If you or someone you know is considering filing a VAWA petition from outside the country, seeking advice from an experienced immigration attorney can provide the guidance needed to navigate this process effectively.