The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) lets certain survivors of abuse apply for immigration status on their own, without the abuser's knowledge, consent, or sponsorship. Despite the name, it protects people of any gender.
These cases are sensitive, and the evidence has to be assembled carefully. Attorney Nagima Muzapberova handles VAWA self-petitions with discretion and care, in Russian, Turkish, Turkmen, Uzbek, or English.
Who can file a VAWA self-petition
You may qualify if you are, or were, the abused spouse or child of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, or the abused parent of a U.S. citizen son or daughter. The abuse can be physical, but it does not have to be — a documented pattern of extreme cruelty, including emotional, psychological, or financial abuse, can also qualify.
You do not need the abuser's permission, and you do not need a police report. VAWA is specifically designed so that you can seek safety and status independently.
How a VAWA case works
The core filing is the Form I-360 self-petition, supported by evidence of your relationship, the abuse, your good moral character, and (where required) that you lived with the abuser. Federal law places strict confidentiality protections on these cases.
If your petition is based on a U.S. citizen abuser, you can often apply for your green card at the same time. If it is based on a permanent resident, the timing depends on visa availability. Many self-petitioners also become eligible for a work permit along the way.
Why work with Nagima Law
VAWA cases turn on how convincingly the story and the evidence are presented. We know what USCIS looks for and how to document abuse that left no physical marks, using records, correspondence, declarations, and expert input where appropriate.
Every case is handled directly by the attorney, with confidentiality at the center, and our fees are flat and quoted up front so there are no surprises during an already difficult time.
Talk through your case with an attorney
A full one-hour consultation is $175 and includes an in-depth review and a personalized plan. Russian, Turkish, Turkmen, and Uzbek spoken.
Book your consultationFrequently asked questions
How much does a VAWA lawyer cost?
VAWA representation is charged as a flat fee quoted after your consultation, so you know the total up front. A one-hour consultation with Nagima Law is $175, and payment plans are available for qualifying clients. USCIS filing fees are separate, and some VAWA filings have reduced-fee or fee-waiver options.
Will my abuser find out I filed a VAWA case?
No. VAWA self-petitions are confidential by law, and the abuser is not notified of or involved in the case. These protections are a core part of how the program is designed.
Do I need a police report to file under VAWA?
No. A police report is not required. USCIS accepts a wide range of credible evidence — declarations, medical or counseling records, photographs, messages, and third-party statements — to establish abuse, including non-physical extreme cruelty.
Can men file under VAWA?
Yes. Although it is called the Violence Against Women Act, VAWA protection is available to survivors of any gender who meet the requirements.