“How much does VAWA cost?” is the very next question to think about after checking your eligibility. VAWA means Violence Against Women Act and both men and women can apply. VAWA offers critical protections and support to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of gender-based violence. In this article, we will explore the expenses involved in applying for VAWA .

Before spending any money, it is best to check the eligibility requirements for VAWA. Only an abused spouse or child of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident can qualify for VAWA. An abused parent can also qualify if their abusive child is a U.S. citizen. VAWA self-petitions allow survivors to seek legal status independently of their abusers. If successful, the abused VAWA applicant will receive a permanent resident green card. Petitioners file VAWA petitions with USCIS, and several steps and applications are involved in the process. The items outlined below will answer the question: “How much does VAWA cost?”

1. Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant: This form tells USCIS that you have been abused and that there is a qualifying relationship between you and the abuser. There is no filing fee for this form. You may file it alone or with an I-485 Adjustment of Status Application.
2. I-485 Adjustment of Status: Form I-485 is the actual application for a green card. As of April 1, 2024, there is no fee for this form for VAWA self-petitioners, and USCIS has waived the biometrics fee.
3. Employment Authorization: VAWA self-petitioners with a pending adjustment of status application can apply for a free employment authorization document by filing Form I-765.
4. Medical Examination: Applicants must undergo a medical examination using a USCIS-approved doctor. Fees range from $250 to $700.
5. Translations: Any non-English documents must be translated into English. Translation fees typically start at $50 per document.

When it’s time to file for VAWA you may be tempted to go with the option that costs as little as possible. The cheapest way to do your VAWA application is to do it yourself. This will cost you nothing out of pocket. However, since you don’t know what you are doing, you are likely to make many mistakes. Some of these mistakes can ruin a good VAWA case. Moreover, by the time you realize your mistake, you may no longer be eligible for VAWA.

The second cheapest way to apply for VAWA is to use an unlicensed form preparer. These individuals advertise themselves as “immigration assistants”or “notarios.” They may even have an office or a place of business. They will take your money, fill in the forms and submit the application with a few pieces of evidence. This is something you could have done yourself by going online and printing the forms and reading the instructions.

The issue with the do-it-yourself option or unlicensed form preparers is that you do not have the best chance to win your VAWA case. A properly prepared VAWA application package is at least 200 pages. It tells a compelling story of your life, the abuse you suffered, and why USCIS should approve your case. This type of work cannot be done quickly or cheaply. You want high quality immigration work at an affordable price and this is where we can help you.

My name is Cheryl Fletcher and I have been practicing immigration law since 2015. I have helped hundreds of VAWA applicants successfully obtain green cards. Potential clients call us at various points in their lives. Sometimes they are still living with the abuser and other times, they are in the middle of a divorce. Regardless of the situation, we are more than happy to help.

We offer flat fee pricing with flexible payment options. You know exactly how much your case is going to cost before hiring us.

If you are feeling overwhelmed because of a domestic violence situation and you have heard about VAWA but you are not not sure if it is right for you, please reach out to us. I will spend 30 minutes explaining you rights and legal options and put you on the best road to achieve your goals.

Watch Attorney Fletcher explain the 8 eligibility requirements for a successful VAWA petition. WATCH NOW.