VAWA Self-Petition: Prepare Your I-360 with Claudette

VAWA lets victims of abuse by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse, parent, or child apply for lawful status on their own, confidentially. Claudette prepares your self-petition and evidence with you.

What Is VAWA?

The VAWA petition allows victims of abuse to apply for a green card without their abuser's help, even if you are undocumented.

If you've been mistreated by a U.S. citizen or green card holder spouse, parent, or child, you may qualify.

VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) allows:

• Self-petitioning for lawful status without the abuser's involvement.
• A path to a green card and work permit.
• Confidential protection: your abuser is never notified.

You're Not Alone, and You Don't Have to Stay Silent

It is hard to speak up, especially when your immigration status is tied to your abuser. You deserve to feel safe. You deserve to stay.

Do You Qualify?

You were abused (physically, emotionally, or psychologically) by a:

• U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident parent
• U.S. citizen child

You lived with the abuser and have good moral character.

Are you in an abusive marriage with a U.S. citizen or green card holder? You don't need to stay silent. Under VAWA, you can apply for a green card without their help, safely and confidentially.

Everything You Need to Know About VAWA Self-Petitions

VAWA allows victims of abuse to apply for a green card without their abuser's knowledge or assistance.

Who qualifies: Spouses, children, or parents of abusive U.S. citizens or LPRs.

Key benefits:

• Confidential application
• Work permit and green card eligibility
• Path to permanent residency and independence

Evidence: Police reports, affidavits, therapy records, personal statements.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for VAWA

1. Determine eligibility. You must be the spouse, child, or parent of a U.S. citizen or LPR who abused you.

2. Prepare Form I-360. Gather documents proving your relationship and abuse, such as:

• Marriage or birth certificates
• Police or medical records
• Personal affidavits

3. File Form I-360 with USCIS. Include your statement describing the abuse and evidence of good moral character.

4. File Form I-485 for a green card (if eligible). You may be able to file at the same time if an immigrant visa is immediately available.

5. Attend biometrics and wait for a decision. You will receive a notice for fingerprints and updates on your petition.

Important Warning

VAWA requires careful documentation. Many applicants struggle to explain abuse or lack supporting evidence. Your abuser will NOT be notified, but mistakes can delay protection.

How Claudette helps with this

Claudette works with you privately and at your pace. She asks about the relationship and what happened, then drafts your personal statement from your own words, never inventing anything you did not say. She builds your document plan for proof of the relationship, the abuse, residence, and good moral character, and guides you in gathering police, medical, and therapy records and statements from people who know. She prepares your I-360 and, when you are eligible, the I-485, audits the package for gaps, and assembles it for filing. You can add licensed-attorney review of your packet before you file.