VAWA Self-Petition Lawyer Columbus Ohio
The Violence Against Women Act allows abused spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents to seek lawful status independently — without the abuser's knowledge, consent, or participation. Latif Law represents VAWA self-petitioners in Columbus and Central Ohio with strict confidentiality.
What VAWA Provides
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), originally passed in 1994 and reauthorized multiple times, creates an immigration safety net for individuals who have been subjected to battery or extreme cruelty by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member. Despite its name, VAWA's immigration protections apply equally regardless of gender.
A successful VAWA self-petition allows the abused person to obtain lawful status — and ultimately lawful permanent residence — without ever requiring the abuser's signature, cooperation, or knowledge. Federal confidentiality rules under 8 U.S.C. § 1367 prohibit USCIS and DHS from contacting or relying on information from the abuser. When eligible to file for residence, applicants may also need an adjustment of status application; anyone facing court proceedings should seek removal defense counsel.
Your safety matters. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. Mention "VAWA immigration" when you call our office and we will treat your inquiry with strict confidentiality.
Who Qualifies for VAWA
Abused Spouses
Current or former spouses of U.S. citizens or LPRs who suffered battery or extreme cruelty during the marriage. Includes step-parents abused by step-children's other parent.
Abused Children
Unmarried children under 21 of a U.S. citizen or LPR parent who was the abuser. Children who have aged out may still qualify under certain conditions.
Abused Parents
Parents of U.S. citizen sons or daughters age 21 or older where the U.S. citizen child was the abuser.
Confidentiality Protections
VAWA petitioners receive some of the strongest confidentiality protections in U.S. immigration law:
Required Elements of a VAWA Petition
A self-petitioner must show:
Qualifying Relationship
A current or former spousal, parent-child, or child-parent relationship to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident abuser.
Battery or Extreme Cruelty
Physical violence or other patterns of abuse including emotional abuse, threats, isolation, financial control, or sexual abuse.
Joint Residence
Evidence of having lived together with the abuser at some point during the qualifying relationship.
Good Moral Character
Generally three years of good moral character. Certain crimes may disqualify; many do not. An attorney can evaluate exceptions and waivers.
Good Faith Marriage (spouses only)
Evidence the marriage was entered into in good faith, not to obtain immigration benefits.
From I-360 to a Green Card
An approved VAWA self-petition (Form I-360) is the first step. The pathway to a green card depends on whether the abuser is a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident:
Abuser Is a U.S. Citizen
Self-petitioner is treated as an immediate relative. Form I-485 may be filed concurrently with Form I-360 or as soon as the I-360 is approved.
Abuser Is an LPR
Self-petitioner falls into the F2A preference category. Special priority-date protections apply if the abuser later loses status or naturalizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a filing fee for the I-360?
No. USCIS does not charge a filing fee for Form I-360 when filed as a VAWA self-petition. Fee waivers may also be available for related applications.
Can I work while my VAWA petition is pending?
VAWA petitioners with an approved or prima facie I-360 may apply for an Employment Authorization Document. Some petitioners qualify for deferred action and a work permit even while the I-360 is pending.
What if I am no longer married to my abuser?
You may still qualify if you file the VAWA petition within two years of the divorce, the divorce was connected to the abuse, or, if the abuser was a U.S. citizen, within two years of the abuser losing or renouncing citizenship.
Does my abuser need to be in the U.S.?
Generally yes — the qualifying relationship must be to a U.S. citizen or LPR, and joint residence in the U.S. at some point is required. Specific exceptions exist for abuse that occurred while the petitioner was abroad with a U.S. government employee abuser.
Will VAWA help me even if I have an unlawful entry or overstay?
VAWA self-petitioners receive favorable treatment for many forms of immigration relief, including waivers of certain inadmissibility grounds. Each case requires individual evaluation by counsel.
Serving Columbus and Central Ohio
Confidential VAWA representation throughout the greater Columbus metro area:
Related Family Immigration Services
Marriage Green Card
Standard spousal petitions when both parties cooperate.
Learn more →I-751 Abuse Waiver
Abuse-based waivers for conditional residents removing conditions on their green card.
Learn more →Family Preference Visas
How VAWA petitioners fit within the F2A and other family categories.
Learn more →Confidential VAWA Help in Columbus Ohio
Your inquiry is confidential. We do not contact your abuser. Trilingual service in English, Arabic, and Spanish.