Confidential VAWA Immigration Help
You are not alone. If you have experienced abuse by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or child, you may be able to apply for legal immigration status on your own — privately and safely, without your abuser's knowledge or involvement.
Request a Confidential ConsultationLast Updated: June 7, 2026
What Is a VAWA Self-Petition?
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) created a pathway for certain abuse survivors to petition for immigration benefits independently — without needing the abuser's cooperation, knowledge, or signature.
Who May Qualify
You may be eligible to file a VAWA self-petition (Form I-360) if you are:
- The spouse or former spouse of an abusive U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR)
- A child (unmarried, under 21) of an abusive U.S. citizen or LPR
- A parent of an abusive U.S. citizen (who is at least 21 years old)
VAWA applies to all genders. Men, women, and nonbinary individuals may all file.
Federal Confidentiality Protections
Under 8 U.S.C. § 1367, federal law prohibits USCIS from:
- Disclosing information about your VAWA petition to anyone, including the abuser
- Using your petition information against you in immigration proceedings
- Sharing your address or whereabouts with the abuser
Your inquiry to our office is also private. We do not contact or notify anyone on your behalf without your explicit direction.
What You Do Not Need
Filing a VAWA self-petition does not require:
- The abuser's signature, cooperation, or knowledge
- A police report or criminal charges
- A divorce or legal separation
- A prior immigration status of your own
Each case is unique. An attorney can review what evidence is available in your situation.
Your Inquiry Is Private
Reaching out to our office about a VAWA matter is confidential. We will not contact your abuser, your abuser's family, or any third party without your consent. Consultations can be conducted virtually via Google Meet.
Services We Can Help With
Immigration law provides several pathways for abuse survivors. We will work with you to identify the options available in your specific situation.
VAWA Self-Petition (Form I-360)
Preparation and filing of the I-360 petition, including your personal declaration, supporting evidence, and documentation of the qualifying relationship and abuse. This is the foundational step toward lawful permanent residence through VAWA.
- Case eligibility review
- Personal statement guidance
- Evidence identification and organization
- I-360 preparation and submission
- USCIS correspondence and follow-up
Work Authorization (EAD)
Approved VAWA self-petitioners with deferred action may apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), allowing you to work legally while your case is pending.
- Deferred action application assistance
- EAD application preparation
- Work authorization renewal
Path to Permanent Residence
Once your I-360 is approved and a visa number is available, you may be able to apply for adjustment of status (a green card). We guide you through each step of that process.
- I-485 adjustment of status filing
- Priority date monitoring
- Interview preparation
- Travel document and work authorization
U Visa — If Eligible
The U visa is a separate pathway available to victims of certain crimes (including domestic violence, sexual assault, and other serious crimes) who have suffered abuse and have been helpful, are being helpful, or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement. Eligibility criteria differ from VAWA. We can evaluate whether this may be an option for your situation.
- U visa eligibility assessment
- Law enforcement certification guidance
- I-918 petition preparation
How the Process Works
Every situation is different. This is a general overview of how we approach VAWA matters.
Confidential Assessment
We review your situation privately — your relationship to the abuser, your current immigration status, and what evidence may be available. There is no obligation to move forward, and no one else is contacted.
Evidence Gathering
We identify and help organize supporting documentation for your case — which may include your personal declaration, medical records, declarations from witnesses, police reports (if available), or other evidence of the qualifying relationship and abuse.
Petition Preparation & Filing (I-360)
We prepare and submit your I-360 self-petition to USCIS's confidential Vermont Service Center, which handles all VAWA cases. Your abuser receives no notice of this filing.
Approval, Work Authorization & Path to Residence
Upon approval, we assist with applications for deferred action, work authorization, and — when a visa number is available — adjustment of status toward lawful permanent residence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about VAWA self-petitions and confidential immigration relief
Will my abuser be notified or find out that I filed?
No. Federal law (8 U.S.C. § 1367) strictly prohibits USCIS from disclosing any information about a VAWA petition or petitioner to the abuser or the abuser's family. USCIS processes all VAWA petitions through a confidential unit. Your abuser will not receive any notice of your filing.
Do I have to be divorced from my abuser — or still married — to file?
You may file whether you are currently married to your abuser, separated, or divorced. If you are divorced, you may generally still file as long as the divorce occurred within the past two years and there is a connection between the divorce and the abuse. Being married at the time of filing is not required.
Can men file a VAWA self-petition?
Yes. VAWA protections are not limited to women. Male, female, and nonbinary individuals who have been abused by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or adult child may be eligible to self-petition. The name "Violence Against Women Act" is historical; the law applies to all genders.
What if I'm undocumented?
Individuals without lawful immigration status may still qualify for a VAWA self-petition. The VAWA filing is handled separately from removal proceedings, and USCIS is prohibited from using VAWA petition information against you in immigration court. An attorney can review your specific situation to assess options.
Do I need police reports or a criminal case?
No. Police reports and criminal convictions are not required to file a VAWA self-petition. USCIS evaluates a range of evidence. Your own personal declaration is an important part of the case. Other supporting evidence can include medical records, declarations from people who witnessed the abuse, protective orders, counseling records, or photographs. An attorney can help identify what evidence you have available.
If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.
For confidential support available 24/7:
National Domestic Violence Hotline — call 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788 (TTY: 1-800-787-3224)
Request a Confidential Consultation
You do not have to navigate this alone. We are here to listen privately and help you understand your options — with no obligation to move forward.
Contact Information
Phone: +1 972-200-7254
Email: contact@pristerlaw.com
Locations: Cary, NC & Dallas, TX
Languages: English, Spanish (Se Habla Español), Italian
Virtual consultations available via Google Meet.
What to Expect
- Private, judgment-free conversation
- No contact with your abuser — ever
- 25+ years immigration experience
- Flat-fee, transparent pricing
- English, Spanish, and Italian spoken
Your Privacy Is Protected
Information you share with us is confidential. We will not contact, notify, or share any details with your abuser or anyone else without your explicit consent.
Request a Confidential Consultation
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