A confidential path to lawful status for survivors of abuse, filed without your abuser's knowledge.
The Violence Against Women Act, VAWA, allows certain survivors of abuse by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or adult child to self-petition for a green card. Despite its name, VAWA protection is available to survivors of any gender. Your petition is filed independently, without your abuser's knowledge, participation, or consent.
We understand that coming forward about abuse takes courage. We handle every VAWA case with discretion and care, and we make sure you understand your options and protections before we file anything on your behalf.
VAWA cases rely on carefully gathered evidence, of the relationship, of the abuse, and of your good moral character. We help you assemble that evidence, including personal statements, records, and supporting documentation, and we handle every conversation about your case with the confidentiality it deserves.
Our immigration attorneys are ready to speak with you confidentially. Contact us today at (718) 878-1177 or fill out our online form for free.
No. Despite the name, VAWA protections are available to survivors of any gender who have been abused by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or adult child.
No. VAWA self-petitions are confidential. Your abuser is not notified that you have filed, and USCIS is prohibited from disclosing information about your case to them.
You may still qualify for VAWA relief. A self-petition does not require lawful status at the time of filing, and if approved, it can provide a path to work authorization and eventually a green card.
Common evidence includes proof of the relationship, such as a marriage or birth certificate, along with evidence of the abuse, which can include police reports, medical records, protective orders, photographs, and personal statements from you or others.
Once your I-360 petition is approved, you can apply for employment authorization. We help you prepare that application as part of your case.
Applying for lawful permanent residence from inside the United States.
Learn MorePetitioning to bring a spouse, parent, child, or sibling to the United States.
Learn MoreProtection for those who fear persecution in their home country.
Learn MoreBecoming a U.S. citizen through the naturalization process.
Learn MoreNonimmigrant visa applications and extending your authorized stay in the United States.
Learn MoreRelief that can allow certain long-term residents to remain in the United States.
Learn MoreGuidance when criminal charges or convictions affect your immigration status.
Learn MoreRepresentation in removal proceedings to keep you and your family in the United States.
Learn MoreRequests to excuse certain grounds of inadmissibility so your application can move forward.
Learn MoreApplying for lawful permanent residence from inside the United States.
Learn morePetitioning to bring a spouse, parent, child, or sibling to the United States.
Learn moreProtection for those who fear persecution in their home country.
Learn moreBecoming a U.S. citizen through the naturalization process.
Learn moreNonimmigrant visa applications and extending your authorized stay in the United States.
Learn moreRelief that can allow certain long-term residents to remain in the United States.
Learn moreGuidance when criminal charges or convictions affect your immigration status.
Learn moreRepresentation in removal proceedings to keep you and your family in the United States.
Learn moreRequests to excuse certain grounds of inadmissibility so your application can move forward.
Learn moreShim Law Group is always looking to help those in need.
