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You are eligible to self-petition under VAWA if: You are an abused or battered spouse of a U.S. citizen or LPR. You are a spouse of a U.S. citizen or LPR and your child or children are being abused. You are a child of a U.S. citizen or LPR who is being abused or battered by that parent.

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) allows battered immigrants to petition for legal status in the United States without relying on abusive U.S.citizen or legal permanent resident spouses, parents or children to sponsor their Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) applications.

Form I-360 VAWA processing times vary depending on different factors, but typically, it ranges from 18 to 24 months. Under limited circumstances, USCIS can expedite your VAWA request if you have submitted a request for expedited processing based on emergency situations.

Citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents (also referred to as green card holders), and abused parents of U.S. Citizen sons or daughters to apply for immigration relief separate from the abusive family member. An individual who is eligible for VAWA can “self-petition”. VAWA is available to both men and women.

VAWA lets them break free of the abuser's control and file a self-petition for immigration status. To do so, however, the applicant must be able to prove that the abuse occurred. To help with that process, this article discusses what qualifies as abuse.

How to Apply. To apply for a VAWA self-petition you must submit: Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant (There is no fee to file Form I-360 as a VAWA self-petitioner.); and. Evidence to demonstrate that you meet all eligibility requirements.

If your case status reads “Case Approved,” this means that USCIS has approved your VAWA green card application. USCIS will now provide you with your green card. You will see this case status toward the end of your application process, but you will still see new case updates until USCIS mails your green card.

When you file the I-360 form with the attached evidence, it may take between 16 to 21 months to process your VAWA petition fully. USCIS will issue a Prima Facie Determination Notice to VAWA petitioners who qualified and fulfilled requirements. When you receive such a notice, it is valid for 150 days.