Immigration assistance for survivors of family abuse
If an abusive family member is using your immigration situation to control or threaten you, you may have options that do not depend on their cooperation. Peoples Immigrant Resource Center can help you understand VAWA self-petition requirements, organize records, and prepare and file a petition for an eligible applicant.
Start with a free initial consultation in English or Spanish through our South Gate and Highland offices. You do not need to know whether your experience meets a legal definition before asking for help.
Your safety comes first
If you are in immediate danger, call 911 if it is safe to do so. For support and safety planning, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233. Use a safe device and contact method. Do not put yourself at risk to obtain documents or contact the person who harmed you. Our consultation service is not an emergency response service.
What is a VAWA self-petition?
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) allows certain abused spouses, children, and parents to petition for immigrant classification without the abuser’s knowledge, consent, or participation. Despite its name, VAWA self-petition protections are not limited to women. Form I-360 is used for the self-petition.
Who may qualify?
- Spouses: Qualifying spouses of abusive U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. Certain former or intended spouses may also qualify under specific rules.
- Children: Qualifying unmarried children under 21 abused by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident parent. Some applicants may file after 21 but before 25 if abuse was the main reason for the delay.
- Parents: Qualifying parents abused by a U.S. citizen son or daughter who is at least 21. This parent category does not apply solely because the abusive child is a permanent resident.
Eligibility also involves battery or extreme cruelty, shared residence, and good moral character. Spousal cases require a marriage entered in good faith. A spouse may also qualify based on abuse of their child by the citizen or permanent resident spouse. Every case requires an individual review.
Divorce, death, remarriage, or changes in the relative’s immigration status can affect eligibility and deadlines. Tell us about these events promptly. Not every harmful relationship qualifies for a VAWA self-petition.
Help at any stage, with a safe way to communicate
You can reach out before starting, while collecting records, or after filing a petition. Let us know a safe way and time to contact you and whether messages may be left. You do not need to describe traumatic events in an online appointment message. We can discuss safe mailing arrangements for your case.
How we can help
- Review your circumstances: Discuss the qualifying relationship, relevant history, and issues requiring further evaluation.
- Organize evidence: Help identify available records and prepare an accurate personal statement without asking you to risk your safety.
- Prepare and file: Assist an eligible applicant with Form I-360 and supporting documentation within the agreed services.
- Discuss related steps: Review questions about eligible children, work authorization, a later green card application, or notices you receive.
We explain the proposed services and costs before you proceed. Any legal representation, court work, appeal, or related application must be specifically agreed upon. We cannot guarantee approval, a processing time, or protection from removal.
Documents you may bring
- Available identification and immigration records.
- Marriage, birth, divorce, or other records showing the family relationship.
- Available records of shared residence and, for spousal cases, the good-faith marriage.
- Messages, medical or counseling records, court documents, or other evidence relevant to the abuse, if safely available.
- Copies of prior applications, decisions, evidence requests, or hearing notices.
Bring what you have. We can discuss missing records and possible alternative evidence. Do not access someone else’s accounts or expose yourself to danger to gather information.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need the abusive family member’s permission?
No. An eligible person can self-petition without the abuser’s knowledge, consent, or participation. We can discuss safe contact and mailing arrangements; avoid using a shared account or device if doing so could put you at risk.
Do I have to remain with the abusive person?
You do not have to continue living with the abusive relative to file. Shared residence and other eligibility requirements still need to be established. Safety decisions and the effects of separation or divorce should be discussed individually.
Can I ask for help without a police report?
Yes. Bring whatever records are safely available. We can discuss evidence relevant to the requirements and what may be needed. You do not need a complete petition packet to schedule a consultation.
Can I apply after divorce?
Possibly. Certain former spouses may qualify when filing within two years of a divorce connected to the abuse, along with meeting other requirements. Dates and circumstances matter, so seek a prompt review rather than assuming you remain eligible indefinitely.
Does filing give me a green card or immediate work permission?
No. Filing Form I-360 alone does not grant a green card or immediate work authorization. Even an approved self-petition provides immigrant classification, not immigration status by itself. Work authorization and permanent residence involve additional requirements or steps that depend on your case.
Can my children be included?
Eligible children may be included as derivative beneficiaries in certain spouse or child self-petitions. A self-petitioning parent of an abusive U.S. citizen cannot include derivatives through that parent category. We can review ages, relationships, and timing with you.
Can you help if I already filed or received a notice?
Yes. Bring the complete filing and notice, including its deadline. USCIS may request more evidence or an interview. Contacting us does not extend a deadline, excuse an interview or court appearance, or automatically stop removal proceedings.
Is the initial consultation free?
Yes. The initial consultation is free. USCIS does not charge a filing fee for Form I-360 as a VAWA self-petitioner. Our service fees and any costs for related work are separate and will be explained before you proceed.
Take the next step when it is safe for you
You can ask for help whether you are just exploring options or already have a case in progress. Schedule a free initial consultation in English or Spanish using a contact method that is safe for you.
Official information and support
USCIS: VAWA self-petitions · National Domestic Violence Hotline
General information only, not individualized legal advice. Eligibility and available benefits depend on your circumstances and current law.