Administrative process · USCIS

VAWA (Self-Petition) in Orlando

VAWA (the Violence Against Women Act) is a humanitarian protection that allows victims of abuse by a spouse, parent, or child who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to file a confidential self-petition, independently of the abuser. It is an administrative application, filed with USCIS through Form I-360, and it was created precisely to break the victim's dependence on the person abusing them, protecting their privacy and offering a path of their own within immigration law. Despite the name, the protection reaches victims of any gender.

Who can self-petition

The VAWA self-petition applies to different family relationships with the abuser who is a citizen or resident:

A spouse (or, in certain cases, a former spouse) of a citizen or resident who is a victim of abuse
Sons and daughters who are victims of abuse by a citizen or resident parent
Parents who are victims of abuse by an adult citizen son or daughter
In certain situations, the victim's child may be included as a derivative

Eligibility depends on the relationship with the abuser, the existence of the abuse, and other legal requirements, such as having resided with the abuser at some point and good faith in the marriage, where applicable. The abuse may be physical, but also psychological or emotional, and the law recognizes different forms of domestic violence. Each case is analyzed individually, confidentially, and carefully, with attention to the person's history and safety.

How the process works

Analysis of eligibility and of the relationship with the abuser who is a citizen or resident
Preparation of the self-petition (Form I-360) with evidence of the relationship and the abuse
Filing with USCIS, confidentially and independently of the abuser
Monitoring of the review and, where appropriate, continuation toward permanent residence

Documents and evidence

VAWA is an application based on evidence of the relationship and the abuse. The following are usually relevant:

Proof of the abuser's citizenship or residence, when available
Documents of the relationship (marriage or birth certificate, as the case may be)
Evidence of joint residence with the abuser
A detailed personal statement and evidence of the abuse (medical and psychological records, police reports, photos, messages, letters of support)
In the case of marriage, evidence that the union was entered into in good faith

VAWA was created to protect the victim and break the dependence on the abuser, which is why the process is confidential and conducted independently of them. What is at stake is the person's safety and future, and gathering the evidence of the relationship and the abuse properly is decisive. Well-built documentation, handled with confidentiality and care, makes a real difference in the outcome.

What to expect during the process

VAWA is an administrative process before USCIS, not a judicial process. After Form I-360 is filed, the case undergoes review, which usually requires patience. The entire process is confidential: the abuser is not notified of the self-petition, and the law provides specific protections for the victim's privacy. At certain points, USCIS may request supplemental evidence or information, and it is important to respond within the deadlines. Depending on the case and the abuser's category, there may be subsequent stages toward permanent residence. It is common for the process to extend over a considerable period until it concludes.

How Without Borders handles your case

Without Borders is a nonprofit organization recognized by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). Your VAWA self-petition is handled by a DOJ Accredited Representative, authorized to appear in administrative processes before USCIS, within the scope of their accreditation. We work with confidentiality and sensitivity, help organize the evidence of the relationship and the abuse, and follow the self-petition at every stage. We serve you in Portuguese and English, confidentially, in Orlando, without promising results: our commitment is to prepare your case with respect for your history and technical rigor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the abuser find out?

No. The VAWA self-petition is confidential and filed independently of the abuser, who is not notified. The law provides specific protections for the victim's privacy.

Can men use VAWA?

Yes. Despite the name (Violence Against Women Act), the protection reaches victims of any gender who meet the legal requirements.

Do I still need to be married to the abuser?

Not necessarily. In certain cases, former spouses and people in other situations may be eligible, within the deadlines and conditions provided by law. We evaluate your case at the consultation.

Does VAWA lead to a green card?

An approved VAWA self-petition can open a path to permanent residence, depending on the abuser's category and the other requirements. We explain the path that applies to your case.

What evidence of the abuse is needed?

Medical and psychological records, police reports, photos, messages, letters of support, and the victim's own personal statement can help. Each case is unique, and we organize the evidence with care and confidentiality.

Can I include my children?

In certain situations, children may be included as derivatives of the self-petition. We evaluate the family composition during our work with you.

Related services

Evaluate your VAWA self-petition

Confidential service in Portuguese and English, in Orlando.

Schedule a Consultation

Informational content about an immigration legal service. Without Borders Inc is a nonprofit organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Representation is provided by a DOJ Accredited Representative, within the scope of their accreditation. This text does not replace an individual review of your case in a consultation.