Who Can File a VAWA Self-Petition
- Abused spouses of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents
- Abused children (under 21) of U.S. citizens or LPRs
- Abused parents of U.S. citizens
VAWA is gender-neutral and applies to men and women equally.
VAWA — Immigration Protection for Abuse Survivors
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) allows certain individuals who have been subjected to battery or extreme cruelty by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or child to self-petition for immigration status — completely independently of the abuser.
VAWA is gender-neutral and applies to men and women equally.
