We Strive to Operate
Successfully Where
Immigration Has No Borders
Successfully Where
Immigration Has No Borders
Frequently Asked Questions on VAWA
What is VAWA?
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is a federal law that provides protections and immigration benefits for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other forms of gender-based violence.
Individuals who have been the victims of abuse by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or child may be eligible for immigration benefits under VAWA. This includes both women and men who have suffered abuse.
VAWA provides several immigration benefits, including:
Self-petitioning for lawful permanent residency (green card) without the abuser's knowledge or consent.
Eligibility to apply for employment authorization while the VAWA petition is pending.
Protection from deportation (removal) proceedings based on the abuse.
To file a VAWA self-petition, individuals must provide evidence of the abuse, such as police reports, medical records, affidavits from witnesses, photographs, or other supporting documentation.
Yes, individuals who are divorced from their abuser may still be eligible to file a VAWA self-petition as long as they can provide evidence of the abuse during the marriage.
Yes, individuals who are in removal proceedings or have a final order of removal may still be eligible to apply for VAWA benefits. They should consult with an immigration attorney to explore their options.
Yes, VAWA self-petitioners may include their unmarried children under the age of 21 as derivative beneficiaries on their petition. Each child must meet the eligibility criteria for derivative benefits under VAWA.
There is no deadline for filing a VAWA self-petition. However, certain abused spouses whose marriage has been terminated within the past two years may still self-petition. Individuals are encouraged to file as soon as possible after experiencing abuse to avoid delays in processing their petition.
Yes, individuals who are in the United States without lawful immigration status may still be eligible to apply for VAWA benefits. VAWA provides protections regardless of immigration status.
Yes, individuals in same-sex relationships who have been the victims of abuse may be eligible to apply for VAWA benefits. VAWA protections apply regardless of the gender or sexual orientation of the individuals involved.
Immigration Services
- Change of Status in Unforeseen Circumstances
- Employment-Based Immigration
- Investment-Based Immigration
- Student Visas
- Green Cards
- Family-Based Immigration
- Waivers of Inadmissibility
- Naturalization and Citizenship
- Humanitarian Relief and Visas
- Nonimmigrant Visa Categories
- Removal and Deportation Defense
- Immigration Compliance Services
Contact Us
- San Jose
- 408.981.7696
HEAR IT FROM OUR CLIENTS
Dear Mr. Ahluwalia, I would like to thank you for all your help with Dr. xxx case. She and I were very impressed with your services and the professionalism that you showed both of us. I am referring you to a very good friend of mine who is opening a manufacturing plant and wants to bring his brother in as a partner/investor/employee from Italy. I am forwarding your information for xxxx to contact you and make arrangements accordingly. Thank you for all your help.
Inderjit, thank you so very much. I sincerely appreciate all the effort you took to get this approved and your incredible patience. As xxx mentioned, we will only work with you for all our future H1's. Thanks once again.
Inderjit handled our immigration matter in reference to my parents. We approached him and found him extremely pleasant to work with. In addition to his knowledge of the law, he guided us very well throughout the process. I would recommend him very strongly to anyone in matter of immigration.