What Is VAWA and How Can It Protect You?
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provides a potential pathway to immigration protection for certain individuals who have experienced abuse by a qualifying U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you may be able to apply for immigration relief without your abuser's knowledge, consent, or participation.
Women
Although its name refers to women, VAWA also provides immigration protection to eligible men who have experienced abuse.
VAWA allows certain survivors to file an immigration self-petition without their abuser's consent or participation.
MEN
Men who have experienced emotional or psychological abuse, mistreatment, or financial control by a qualifying family member may also be eligible for VAWA immigration protection, depending on their circumstances.
What Is VAWA and Who Can Apply?
Women who have experienced abuse or extreme cruelty by a qualifying U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member may be eligible for immigration protection under VAWA.
Our Legal Team Explains the VAWA Immigration Process
At Noyes & Associates, Attorney Shernette Noyes de Girón and legal professional Juan Girón-Sánchez have experience assisting individuals with VAWA immigration cases in Connecticut.
In this video, they explain how the VAWA self-petition process works, who may qualify, and what you should know before applying.
Watch the Full Interview:
Who Qualifies for VAWA Immigration Protection?
Abused Spouses
Individuals married to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents who have experienced abuse or extreme cruelty may qualify for VAWA immigration protection if they meet the applicable legal requirements.
Certain children of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents who have experienced abuse or extreme cruelty may be eligible to file a VAWA self-petition.
Certain parents who have experienced abuse or extreme cruelty by a U.S. citizen son or daughter who is at least 21 years old may qualify for immigration protection under VAWA.
Abused Children
Abused Parents
Benefits of the VAWA Immigration Program
A Pathway to Permanent Residency (Green Card)
One of the main benefits of VAWA is the possibility of obtaining lawful permanent residency in the United States. If your VAWA self-petition is approved and you meet the additional immigration requirements, you may be eligible to apply for a Green Card.
VAWA may provide a pathway to obtaining employment authorization and working legally in the United States. Eligibility and when you can apply depend on your circumstances, the status of your VAWA self-petition, and any other applicable immigration filings.
Under certain circumstances, unmarried children under 21 may qualify as derivative beneficiaries of a VAWA self-petition. USCIS also provides special confidentiality protections that restrict the disclosure of information related to these cases.
Employment Authorization (Work Permit)
Confidentiality and Protection for Eligible Children
Our Experience With VAWA Immigration Cases
At Noyes & Associates, we understand that every VAWA case is unique. Our legal team carefully prepares each petition, gathering the supporting documents and evidence needed to present each client's circumstances to USCIS.
Explore Our Client Stories and VAWA Case Updates.
Frequently Asked Questions About VAWA
Can I Apply for VAWA Without My Abuser Knowing?
Yes. Eligible individuals can file a VAWA self-petition without their abuser's knowledge, consent, or participation.
VAWA also provides special confidentiality protections designed to safeguard applicants' personal information throughout the immigration process.
Can I Apply for VAWA If I'm Not Married?
It depends on your circumstances. VAWA provides immigration protection for certain qualifying spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, subject to the requirements for each category.
For spouse-based VAWA petitions, a legally valid marriage is generally required, although specific exceptions may apply.
At Noyes & Associates, we can evaluate your circumstances and help you understand the immigration options available to you.orientarte sobre las opciones migratorias disponibles.
How Long Does a VAWA ?
VAWA processing times vary depending on several factors, including USCIS workload, the complexity of your case, and whether additional evidence is requested.
Every case is different, and processing times may change. Our legal team at Noyes & Associates can help you understand the different stages of the VAWA immigration process.
Can I Apply for VAWA If I Entered the U.S. Without Legal Status?
In certain circumstances, individuals who entered the United States without authorization may still qualify to file a VAWA self-petition.
However, eligibility to obtain lawful permanent residency afterward depends on your immigration history, individual circumstances, and applicable legal requirements.
Can I Get a Green Card Through VAWA?
Yes. Certain individuals with an approved VAWA self-petition may be eligible to apply for lawful permanent residency (a Green Card) in the United States, provided they meet the applicable immigration requirements.
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We serve clients throughout the United States.
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