VAWA
Achieve your legal independence without depending on a spouse or family member.
Obtain the right to work lawfully with the full protection of the law.
Stability and protection for you and your children in the United States.
What is VAWA?
VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) is a U.S. law that protects victims of domestic violence. It allows spouses, children, or parents of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to seek legal status independently.
The process is confidential and the law provides mechanisms to ensure the safety of victims. The abuser is never notified, allowing the victim to seek independence with the utmost protection.
Under VAWA protection, it is possible to obtain employmentx authorization. As a tool for justice, the law transforms situations of vulnerability into a path to freedom in the United States.
Who is VAWA for?
Spouses, children, or parents of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents who have suffered battery or extreme cruelty may seek protection under VAWA to obtain legal status independently of the abuser.
In the case of children, they must be under 21 years of age and unmarried to be entitled to VAWA protection. The focus is on preserving the physical and mental integrity of the minor in the United States and their future.
The law ensures that family members in situations of risk obtain lawful residence with full confidentiality and safety. The individual who committed the abuse is neither a party to nor notified of the process.
Eligibility Criteria for VAWA
Proof of family relationship
You must be a spouse, child, or parent of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. If the abuser loses their status, you have two years to file.
Victim of abuse and cruelty
Having suffered battery, threats of deportation, or emotional control by a family member who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. VAWA protects you.
Shared residence with the abuser
It is a requirement to have lived with the abusive individual for some period in the past. However, you do not need to currently be living with them to qualify for VAWA.
Residing in the Unites States
The victim must reside in the United States to file the petition. VAWA protects those who are in the country and seek their legal safety.
Valid bona fide marriage
It is necessary to demonstrate that the marriage was entered into in good faith. In the event of divorce, the process may be initiated within two years.
Good moral character
Demonstrating ethical conduct and the absence of serious criminal offenses. USCIS will evaluate the applicant's background, including any prior criminal record.
Protection for victims of domestic violence with the legal support you deserve. Start your VAWA process with full confidentiality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to apply for VAWA?
You must file Form I-360 with USCIS along with evidence of the family relationship, abuse, shared residence, and good moral character. The process is conducted in full confidentiality to ensure the protection of the victim and their independence in the United States.
Consider hiring a law firm specializing in humanitarian visa cases, as experienced attorneys know exactly what evidence the government requires, avoid errors that lead to immediate denials, and ensure that your case is presented with the legal rigor necessary to protect your future, while maintaining absolute confidentiality.
Can I apply for VAWA outside the U.S.?
As a general rule, no. However, there are exceptions if the abuser is a U.S. government employee or if the abuse occurred on U.S. soil prior to the victim's departure from the country.
Can I apply for VAWA after divorce?
Yes. You have up to two years after the finalization of the divorce to file your petition, provided you can demonstrate that the abuse occurred during the marriage.
Can a man apply for VAWA?
Absolutely. The law is gender-neutral. Men who suffer abuse by spouses or children who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents have exactly the same rights as women.
Is it necessary to be married to apply for VAWA?
For the spouse category, yes. However, children and parents of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents may file at any time.
Can VAWA be denied?
Yes, if the evidence of abuse is insufficient or if the applicant does not meet the eligibility requirements. For this reason, thorough documentation is essential to the success of the case, as is hiring a law firm specializing in humanitarian visas.
Experienced professionals conduct a rigorous review of documents, prepare consistent statements, and anticipate potential USCIS inquiries, ensuring that your petition is filed with the utmost legal soundness.
How long does a VAWA case take?
O tempo médio de processamento do formulário I-360 é de até 50 meses, conforme consulta realizada em março de 2026. Nesse tempo médio é considerado o volume de casos no centro de serviço do USCIS.
How long does it take to obtain a Green Card after VAWA approval?
The average time to receive a Green Card (Adjustment of Status) ranges from six to 24 months. This timeframe depends directly on who the abuser was. If the abuser is a U.S. citizen, the process is faster. If the abuser is a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder), the process may take longer due to annual visa quotas.
In cases where the abuser is a U.S. citizen, it is possible to file the Green Card application concurrently with the VAWA petition, which expedites work authorization while awaiting the final decision.
Where can I find an immigration attorney specializing in VAWA cases?
Seek licensed professionals in the United States with proven experience in humanitarian cases. For your protection, you may verify the attorney's license and disciplinary history directly on the State Bar website of the state where the attorney practices.
YOUSA Law Firm, for example, is headquartered in San Diego, California, and is led by Dr. Otavio Haverroth, who is duly registered with the California State Bar and is qualified to provide the technical support and personal attention necessary to handle complex VAWA cases with full confidentiality.
How much does a VAWA case cost?
The U.S. government does not charge a filing fee for Form I-360The costs involved relate to specialized legal services for humanitarian visas and certified translations.
It is important to consider that investing in an experienced attorney can prevent the devastating impact of having a VAWA petition denied. A denial results in a loss of time and, most critically, jeopardizes the opportunity to obtain a Green Card, representing an immeasurable future setback for those seeking stability and safety in the United States.
Understanding the Steps to Your Green Card
Eligibility Assessment
A precise evaluation of your profile, conducted at no cost to you, as part of our commitment to transparency. We assess whether you meet the rigorous criteria established by U.S. immigration law (USCIS) to apply for a Green Card.
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Meeting with a Specialist
We review every detail of your profile and analyze the specifics of your case to determine the best visa option for you. We answer your questions and manage expectations so you have full clarity and confidence before we begin building your case.
Legal Strategy Development
The legal expertise behind the Green Card process is what determines the strength of a case. We develop a detailed technical narrative focused on transforming your background and qualifications into persuasive arguments for review by the USCIS officer.
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Document Collection
We provide comprehensive support in organizing the evidence that truly carries weight in the U.S. immigration process. We work alongside you to ensure that the documentation presented accurately supports the legal argument developed for your case.
Filing the Application
This is the final stage of preparation. We consolidate the strategy and documentation into a robust dossier and formally file your U.S. immigration application with the relevant authorities, officially beginning your legal journey on American soil.
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Post-Filing Follow-Up
Our commitment is to provide full transparency on the progress of your journey toward the Green Card. We monitor every status update with USCIS and act swiftly on any additional requests, ensuring proactive case management through to the final decision.
Green Card in Hand
The definitive achievement of your U.S. immigration journey. The United States is no longer a dream but your new home. You and your family gain the right to live, work, and thrive in the country, with all the benefits of a global citizen.
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We are truly committed to protecting victims in the United States. We handle every legal detail to ensure your safety and confidentiality.
Far more than just immigration processes, we bring life plans to life
Higor Medeiros
Excellent service. A meeting where they patiently explained our options for immigrating to the USA. We were very satisfied and would definitely recommend YOUSA.
Maria Luísa Moreno
Excellent service! They answered all my questions with great patience and dedication. I started my process with YOUSA and recommend them to anyone looking for a trustworthy attorney.
Maila Fernandes
We had a consultation with Dr. Otávio and he was extremely professional and insightful. We hired YOUSA confident that we are well advised to succeed in our case.
Leandro Alves Duarte
YOUSA is a very honest and serious firm. It has excellent staff who are also very personable. Congratulations on the outstanding work.
Avoid irreversible denials in your VAWA case. Count on experienced attorneys to safeguard your rights and your future in the United States.
Otavio Haverroth Silva
Attorney at law
We believe that connecting skilled immigrants is a transformative force for the development of the United States.
We are committed to your dream of living in the United States. Your U.S. immigration journey is what drives our everyday work.
We are selective about the cases we take
We believe in immigration cases with a legitimate background and a realistic chance of approval. That is our priority.
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