Is it Easy to Get Approved for VAWA? Overview

“Is it easy to get approved for VAWA?” is a legitimate question but you should never underestimate the legal requirements for any immigration application. You can easily find the forms and instructions online, but complex immigration law applies to each case.  This is why you should not attempt to do-it-yourself, as you will be practicing on your own case, without proper training. A skilled immigration attorney, can improve your chances of winning your case and help you avoid deportation.

How Do You Win a VAWA Case?

VAWA means Violence Against Women Act and despite the name, it applies equally to men and women. VAWA allows abused spouses and minor children of U.S. citizens and permanent residents to self-petition for a green card without a sponsor. Additionally, abused parents of U.S. citizens are also eligible to apply. How you present your case is big step in determining if you win or lose.

Is it easy to get approved for VAWA
VAWA attorney's fees

1. Is it Easy to Get Approved for WAWA: Check your Eligibility

This first step in winning your VAWA case is to be eligible. VAWA has five main requirements. You must have: a) a qualifying relationship; b) experienced abused; c) lived with the abuser; d) eligibility for a visa as either an immediate or family- sponsored relative; and e) good moral character.

2. Have Strong Supporting Evidence

Importantly, evidence is a major factor that will determine whether you win or lose your VAWA case. VAWA requires proof for all the five factors mentioned above. You cannot just say you meet the requirements. Moreover, filing an I360 petition without any further documentation is a sure way of getting denied for VAWA. Depending on your case, you may need evidence of bona fide proof or marriage or proof of the parent child relationship.

3. Hire the Best Attorney

Practicing on your own case is a recipe for disaster. You could win your case by reading online and listening to friends but you are more likely to lose than win. You should not gamble like this with your future. Find a skilled immigration attorney who is well-versed in immigration law and regularly files and wins VAWA cases. The right attorney will know how to prepare and present evidence for your VAWA case. Even, when you initially do not believe that you can prove your case, speaking with the right attorney could change your perception.

4. Do Not Take Steps That May Hurt Your Case

The road to a VAWA victory is long. It could take 5 years from the time you file the first application to the time that you are holding your green card in your hand. You have to be a person of “good moral character” throughout this process. Any criminal activity during this time could hurt your case. Also, marrying while the I-360 is pending could be the end of your VAWA case.

Is it Easy to Get Approved for VAWA? What Percentage of VAWA Cases are Approved?

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security publishes an annual Report on Immigration Applications and Petitions Made by Victims of Abuse.This report documents the approval rate for VAWA cases. Some cases were received before 2023 but the table below shows the approval and denial rate in 2023. USCIS received 50,929 total VAWA cases in 2023 and this is normally the trend, each year. If we use this number to determine the approval and denial rate for abused spouses, we will see that 2,619 or 9% were denied. This means that you have a 91 percent chance of approval.

Is it Easy to Get Approved for VAWA: How an Immigration Attorney can Help?

After reading this article, you should have learned that  91% percent of VAWA cases received approval, in 2023. The odds are excellent. This could be your one chance to get your green card.

My name is Cheryl Fletcher and I have been practicing immigration law since 2015. I have helped hundreds of victims of domestic violence secure their future in America, with a VAWA green card.

If you would like to speak with me about your VAWA case, please feel free to book a consultation. You’ll be glad you did.

"Jupiter Immigration Attorney"

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