VAWA Process.
For those who are facing marital/family problems to obtain immigration status independent of their U.S Citizen/Resident spouse or parent.
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VAWA Process.
For those who are facing marital/family problems to obtain immigration status independent of their U.S Citizen/Resident spouse or parent.
Call us now!
What’s VAWA?
The Violence Against Women Act, also known as VAWA, was approved by Congress in 1994. The VAWA made it possible for victims of domestic violence who ordinarily have to rely on their abusers to apply for status to do so themselves. Close relatives of US citizens and lawful permanent residents who have been the victims of abuse are eligible to self-petition under the VAWA.
According to US immigration law, the USC or LPR relative must submit a petition to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) on your behalf if you’re the spouse, child, or parent of a US citizen (USC) or the spouse or child of a lawful permanent resident (LPR).
Can I work legally if I file a VAWA self-petition?
Filing the self-petition, by itself, will not allow you to work legally. Once US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves your VAWA self-petition, USCIS will also give you a legal work permit, which is known as an “Employment Authorization Document” or “EAD.”
If the abuser is your US citizen spouse, child, or parent, you may be able to get a work permit faster than if the abuser is a legal permanent resident. You should discuss getting your work permit with your attorney because once your self-petition is approved, there may be additional papers that will need to be filed, depending on your situation.
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Eligibility for VAWA self-petitions
You must have one of the "qualifying relationships" to the person abusing you
You must prove that you were a victim of abuse
You must show that you have “good moral character"
FAQs
You have questions and we have answers
Eventually you may be able to get lawful permanent residence (a “green card”), but you have to get through filing the VAWA self-petition first. Once your self-petition is approved, there are several factors that will determine when you can apply for lawful permanent residence.
Filing the self-petition, by itself, will not allow you to work legally. Once US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves your VAWA self-petition, USCIS will also give you a legal work permit, which is known as an “Employment Authorization Document” or “EAD.
When you file a VAWA self-petition, you may be able to include some of your close relatives as “derivatives.” If the abuser is your spouse, you may be able to include your children who are under 21 and unmarried at the time of filing your petition. If the abuser is your parent, you may be able to include your children who are under 21 and unmarried at the time of filing your petition. If the abuser is your adult child, you cannot include other relatives as derivatives.
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It’s time to get
professional help
It’s time to get
professional help
Office Location:
806 S Zarzamora St. San Antonio, TX. 78207
Phone: +1 (210) 533-6060 | +1 (855) 663-4763
Fax: +1 (210) 533-6060
Email: [email protected]
