Immigration relief for survivors of crime

How a (non-citizen) victim of a crime in the US may be eligible to apply for a U-visa status, that allows a person to stay in the the country legally for up to 4 years (which can be extended), and also apply for lawful permanent residency (green card) after three years on the status.

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Children Who Self Petition for VAWA

If you’re an unmarried child under 21—and have been abused by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident parent—you may qualify to self-petition for a green card under VAWA. This guide explains the eligibility rules, required evidence, and how to apply. In some cases, you may still qualify up to age 25 if the abuse prevented you from applying sooner

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Spouses Who Self-Petition for VAWA

If you were abused by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, you may qualify to self-petition for a green card under VAWA. You’ll need to prove your marriage was real, that abuse occurred, and that you meet other requirements like good moral character and shared residence. You can still apply if you’re divorced—if the petition is filed within two years of the divorce and the abuse was a factor.

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VAWA Self-Petition

If you’ve been abused by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member, you may qualify to self-petition for a green card under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Abuse can be physical or emotional, and VAWA is open to both men and women. This guide explains who qualifies, how to prepare your affidavit, and what evidence can support your case. You can apply without your abuser’s knowledge, and there is no fee to file.

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Parents Who Self-Petition for VAWA

If your adult U.S. citizen child has abused you, you may qualify to self-petition for a green card under VAWA. You must show that your child is at least 21, that you lived together, and that abuse occurred in the U.S. This guide explains the requirements and how to prepare your affidavit and supporting evidence

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VAWA: How to Prove Your Abuser’s Immigration Status

If you need to prove someone else’s immigration status—like a spouse or parent—for your own immigration case, it can be challenging, especially if they won’t help. This is common in VAWA cases. This guide explains the best types of evidence you can use, including birth certificates, passports, past immigration filings, and more.

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