VAWA · Humanitarian
VAWA Self-Petition – I-360
A confidential self-petition for victims of battery or extreme cruelty to gain independent immigration status without the abuser's knowledge.
Our Fee
$0
USCIS Fee
$0
Est. Completion
20–30 min
Processing Time
16–21 months
🔒 VAWA petitions are strictly confidential. USCIS is prohibited by law from disclosing any information about your petition to the abuser or their family.
About VAWA Self-Petition
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) allows certain victims of battery or extreme cruelty committed by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) spouse, parent, or child to self-petition for immigration status independently — without the abuser's knowledge or participation. Despite its name, VAWA protections apply to individuals of any gender. The petition is filed using Form I-360, and USCIS handles all VAWA cases through a confidential unit at the Vermont Service Center.
Who Can File a VAWA Self-Petition?
✓ Abused spouse of a U.S. citizen or LPR
✓ Abused child (under 21, unmarried) of a U.S. citizen or LPR
✓ Abused parent of a U.S. citizen (petitioner must be 21+)
✓ You must have suffered battery or extreme cruelty by the qualifying abuser
✓ You must have resided with the abuser
✓ Good moral character
Evidence to Gather
- ✓Proof of the abuser's U.S. citizenship or LPR status (passport, naturalization certificate, or green card)
- ✓Proof of qualifying family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate)
- ✓Evidence of battery or extreme cruelty — police reports, medical records, protective orders, photos, declarations from witnesses
- ✓Personal declaration describing the abuse in your own words (most important document)
- ✓Evidence of shared residence with the abuser (lease, utility bills, mail)
- ✓Evidence of good moral character (can be your own declaration and community letters)
⚠️ VAWA cases are evidence-intensive. We strongly recommend consulting a licensed immigration attorney or a VAWA-certified advocate in addition to our document preparation service.
Steps to File
- 1
Gather evidence of the relationship and abuse — keep all documentation in a safe location the abuser cannot access
- 2
Write your personal declaration describing the abuse with full detail
- 3
Complete the I-360 questionnaire using our software
- 4
Compile your packet and mail to the VAWA Unit at USCIS Vermont Service Center (address is on our output packet)
- 5
USCIS will send a Notice of Prima Facie Determination within 150 days — this can help with public benefits access
- 6
Await final approval of the I-360 petition
- 7
Once approved, apply for adjustment of status (I-485) or an immigrant visa
FAQs – VAWA
Q: Will the abuser find out I filed?
A: No. Federal law strictly prohibits USCIS from disclosing any information about a VAWA petition to the abuser or any of their family members.
Q: Do I need a police report?
A: No. A police report is strong evidence but not required. USCIS understands that many victims do not report abuse to law enforcement. A detailed personal declaration and other supporting evidence can be sufficient.
Q: Can men file a VAWA petition?
A: Yes. Despite the name, VAWA protections are available to all individuals regardless of gender.
Q: What happens after approval?
A: After the I-360 is approved, you will be classified as an immediate relative if the abuser is a U.S. citizen, or a preference category immigrant if the abuser is an LPR. You can then apply for adjustment of status or an immigrant visa.
Ready to Start?
Complete the continuous questionnaire to generate your print-ready packet.