Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
- Qualifying spousal relationship:
- Married to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident abuser or
- Marriage to the abuser was terminated by death or a divorce (related to the abuse) within the 2 years prior to filing the petition, or
- Spouse lost or renounced citizenship or permanent resident status within the 2 years prior to filing your petition due to an incident of domestic violence, or
- Applicant believed to be legally married to your abusive U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse but the marriage was not legitimate solely because of the bigamy of the abusive spouse.
- Applicant suffered battery/extreme cruelty by U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse:
- Applicant was abused by your U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse, or
- Child has been subjected to battery or extreme cruelty by your U.S. or permanent resident spouse.
- Entered into the marriage in good faith, not solely for immigration benefits.
- Resided with your spouse.
- Applicant is a person of good moral character.
Eligibility Requirements for a Child
- Qualifying parent/child relationship:
- Child of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident abuser, or
- Child of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident abuser who lost citizenship or lawful permanent resident status due to an incident of domestic violence.
- Suffered battery/extreme cruelty by your U.S. citizen or permanent resident parent.
- Resided with your abusive parent.
- Applicant is a person of good moral character; a child less than 14 years of age is presumed to be a person of good moral character.
Eligibility Requirements for a Parent
- Qualifying parent/son or daughter relationship:
- Parent of a U.S. citizen son or daughter who is at least 21 years of age when the self-petition is filed, or
- Parent of a U.S. citizen son or daughter who lost or renounced citizenship status related to an incident of domestic violence, or
- Parent of a U.S. citizen son or daughter who was at least 21 years of age and who died within 2 years prior to filing the self-petition.
- Applicant suffered battery or extreme cruelty by your U.S. citizen son or daughter.
- Applicant resided with the abusive son or daughter.
- Applicant is a person of good moral character.
