If you have experienced abuse by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and are considering applying for relief under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), you may wonder if you still qualify if your abuser is no longer in the U.S. The answer is yes, you may still be eligible for VAWA even if your abuser has left the country.

 

VAWA allows individuals who have been abused by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or child to apply for protection. The law does not require the abuser to be in the U.S. at the time of the application. As long as the abuse took place while your abuser was in the U.S., you may still be eligible for relief, even if the abuser is no longer in the country.

 

 

To qualify, you must show that the abuse occurred while your abuser was residing in the U.S. Most clients qualify for VAWA with their detailed declaration.  While the abuser’s departure may affect the specifics of the case, the process for applying for VAWA relief remains the same.

 

If you are unsure about your eligibility, it’s important to speak with an immigration attorney. At Agarwal Law Group, we can help you navigate the process and understand your options. Contact us at 703-348-1663 to schedule a consultation.