VAWA Visa
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) allows certain victims of domestic abuse or extreme cruelty to self-petition for lawful permanent residence without relying on their abusive U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) relative. Despite the name, VAWA protection applies to all genders.
Who is the Visa for?
Spouses and children of abusive U.S. citizens or LPRs
Parents of abusive U.S. citizen sons or daughters (age 21+)
Victims of battery or extreme cruelty, including physical violence, emotional abuse, or controlling behavior
Eligibility Requirements
Must be the spouse, child, or parent of a U.S. citizen/LPR abuser
Must demonstrate that the relationship to the abuser is/was valid (e.g., legal marriage, qualifying family tie)
Must have lived with the abuser at some point
Must show evidence of battery or extreme cruelty by the abuser
Must show good moral character
File Form I-360 (VAWA Self-Petition) with evidence of abuse, relationship, and residence
Benefit
Must be the spouse, child, or parent of a U.S. citizen/LPR abuser
Must demonstrate that the relationship to the abuser is/was valid (e.g., legal marriage, qualifying family tie)
Must have lived with the abuser at some point
Must show evidence of battery or extreme cruelty by the abuser
Must show good moral character
File Form I-360 (VAWA Self-Petition) with evidence of abuse, relationship, and residence
Visa Duration:
Leads to lawful permanent residence (green card) once approved
Green card valid for 10 years and renewable indefinitely
Processing Time:
Form I-360: Many months (varies by evidence & workload)
I-485/Consular: Based on visa availability & country
OpenSphere Services:
Confidential case assessment & eligibility review
Petition drafting (Form I-360 & supporting declaration)
Evidence compilation (abuse documentation, relationship proof, residence history)
End-to-end guidance through green card application and work authorization