The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) allows noncitizens who have been abused by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member to apply for legal status independently, without the knowledge or assistance of their spouse. You don’t need your abuser’s help or approval to take control of your immigration case.

 

To be eligible for a spousal VAWA case, the applicant must (1) be married to a U.S. citizen or green card holder, (2) the marriage must be genuine, not solely for immigration purposes, (3) live or have lived with their spouse, and (4) there must be abuse in the marriage. Please note that individuals who are recently divorced from their spouse may also be eligible to file for VAWA and potentially apply for a green card.

 

If your VAWA application meets basic requirements, you may receive a prima facie determination. This notice shows that you likely qualify for VAWA benefits, granting you access to certain public services while your application is under review.

 

 

VAWA not only helps you stay in the U.S. safely, but it also provides a pathway to a green card. Once your VAWA petition is approved, you can apply for permanent residency, which may eventually lead to U.S. citizenship. Throughout the process, you can also apply for a work permit and travel authorization, allowing you to work and travel legally while your case is pending.

 

VAWA recognizes many forms of abuse, including emotional, psychological, and financial abuse. You can receive VAWA approval without needing evidence of physical abuse or a police report.

 

If you think you qualify for VAWA, call our office at 703-348-1663 to schedule a consultation. If you’ve already had a consultation, contact us to begin working on your case.