Green Card for Battered Spouse, Children & Parents
Protection and legal residency through VAWA (Violence Against Women Act)
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"Our office has assisted many abused spouses to obtain the legal residency using the VAWA (Violence Against Women Act). You can apply for this benefit even if you under deportation and even if you entered the U.S. illegally."
As a battered spouse, child or parent, you may file an immigrant visa petition under the Violence against Women Act (VAWA). VAWA allows certain spouses, children and parents of U.S. citizens and permanent residents (green card holders) to file a petition for themselves without the abusers' knowledge. This will allow you to seek both safety and independence from the abuser. The provisions of VAWA apply equally to women and men. Your abuser will not be notified that you have filed for immigration benefits under VAWA.
Need Immediate Help?
Help is also available for battered spouse, child or parents from the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224 (TDD). The hotline has information about shelters, mental health care, legal advice and other types of assistance, including information about filing for immigration status.
Who is Eligible to File as a Battered Spouse, Parent or Child
Spouse
You may file for yourself if you are, or were, the abused spouse of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. You may also include on your petition your unmarried children who are under 21 if they have not filed for themselves.
Parent
You may file for yourself if you are the parent of a child who has been abused by your U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse. You may include on your petition your children, including those who have not been abused, if they have not filed for themselves. You may also file if you are the parent of a U.S. citizen, and you have been abused by your U.S. citizen son or daughter.
Child
You may file for yourself if you are an abused child under 21, unmarried and have been abused by your U.S. citizen or permanent resident parent. Your children may also be included on your petition. You may file for yourself as a child after age 21 but before age 25 if you can demonstrate that the abuse was the main reason for the delay in filing.
Eligibility Requirements for a Green Card as a Battered Spouse under VAWA
You are:
You:
Eligibility Requirements for a Battered Child under VAWA
You:
-OR-
You:
Eligibility Requirements for a Battered Parent
Filing Process for Battered Spouse, Child or Parent
Working in the United States
If you have an approved Form I-360 and have been placed in deferred action, you are eligible to apply to work in the United States. To apply to work in the United States, you must file the Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with the Vermont Service Center.
Your children listed on your approved Form I-360, may also apply for work authorization. For more information on working in the United States, see the "Working in the U.S." link to the right.
Permanent Residence (Green Card) for Battered Spouse, Child or Parent
If you have an approved Form I-360, you may be eligible to file for a green card. Your children listed on your approved Form I-360 may also be eligible to apply for a green card.
Need Help with Your VAWA Application?
Our experienced immigration attorneys have successfully assisted many abused spouses to obtain legal residency through VAWA. We can help you navigate this complex process while ensuring your safety and privacy. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.
Ready to Apply for VAWA Protection?
Let our experienced immigration attorneys help you obtain legal residency through VAWA.