How long does a VAWA case take to get approved?

Is VAWA still in effect in 2025?

Yes, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is still in effect in 2025, but its immigration provisions (VAWA self-petitions) are experiencing stricter scrutiny and more rigorous evidence requirements from USCIS due to increased filings, leading to longer processing times and potentially more denials for those with incomplete documentation. While the law itself hasn't changed, expect increased documentation demands and longer waits for benefits like work permits and green cards in 2025. 

What next after VAWA is approved?

After receiving your VAWA petition approval, your next step is to apply for lawful permanent resident status. This happens through one of two routes: adjustment of status (if you're already in the U.S.) or consular processing (if you're outside the country).

What disqualifies you from VAWA?

The grounds of inadmissibility that carry special provisions for VAWA self-petitioners include: public charge at INA § 212(1)(4)(C)(i), crimes involving moral turpitude, multiple criminal convictions and prostitution at INA § 212(h), fraud or misrepresentation at INA § 212(i), unlawful presence at INA § 212(a)(9)(B)( ...

Why do most domestic violence cases get dismissed?

Domestic violence charges are often dismissed due to insufficient evidence, lack of cooperation from the victim, or procedural issues that undermine the prosecution's case. These factors can significantly impact the legal outcome of such cases.

What percentage of VAWA cases get approved?

Overall Approval Trends

Historically, VAWA petitions have averaged about a 70–75% approval rate. USCIS data shows that approval is mandatory if all eligibility requirements are met—meaning the key factor is the strength of the evidence provided.

Why does VAWA get denied?

Not Submitting Enough Proof of a Bona Fide Marriage

Failure to do so will result in your VAWA application being denied. Fraudulent marriages entered into for immigration purposes only will not qualify for VAWA. Evidence of a bona fide marriage varies per application.

Can I-130 be approved in 3 months?

It's highly unlikely an I-130 petition gets approved in just 3 months, as current typical processing times for immediate relatives (spouse, parent, unmarried child under 21) of U.S. citizens average around 14-18 months, and even longer for other family preference categories, though some very fast or concurrent filings (I-130 & I-485) can be quicker. While some lucky cases or specific circumstances might see approvals in a few months (like under 4 months), it's very rare, with most seeing waits of a year or more.
 

What documents are needed for VAWA?

Documents for Proving Applicant's Identity and Current Status

• Applicant and children's birth certificates.
• Applicant and children's passports, visas to enter the U.S. and I-94 (expired or current)
• Applicant's driver's license.
• Any documentation to or from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

How does USCIS investigate VAWA?

While personal affidavits are powerful, they are most effective when supported by other forms of evidence, such as medical records and police reports. USCIS investigates VAWA cases by reviewing these affidavits alongside all submitted documentation to assess the credibility and consistency of the claims.

Is USCIS processing faster in 2025?

In 2025, USCIS processing times are mixed, with some forms like Naturalization (N-400) seeing faster processing, while others, particularly Adjustment of Status (I-485) for green cards, are experiencing significant backlogs and longer waits, though receipt notices for new forms are faster, and premium processing remains an option for some employment-based cases. Overall, it's a dynamic period with improvements in some areas but continued challenges, especially for complex family-based and adjustment cases. 

Can I travel if my VAWA is approved?

Yes, a beneficiary under VAWA can travel outside the United States once advance parole is approved, but must do so with maximum caution and always with prior legal authorization. Many people under VAWA protection are in the process of seeking to adjust status to obtain lawful permanent residency.

What is the hardest case to win in court?

The hardest cases to win in court often involve high emotional stakes, like crimes against children or sexual assault, where jurors struggle with bias; complex, voluminous evidence, such as white-collar fraud; and defenses that challenge societal norms, like an insanity plea, which faces high scrutiny and conflicting expert testimony. Cases with weak physical evidence, uncooperative witnesses (like in sex crimes), or those involving unpopular defendants (e.g., child abusers) are particularly challenging for defense attorneys.
 

What makes a strong domestic violence case?

A strong domestic violence case relies heavily on corroborating evidence beyond just testimony, including physical proof (injury photos, medical records, damaged property), digital evidence (texts, emails, screenshots), official reports (police, hospital), and credible witness accounts, all working to build a clear narrative of abuse that meets the "beyond a reasonable doubt" standard, often by showing patterns or contradicting false claims. 

What are the five reasons for dismissal?

What are the fair reasons for dismissal?

• Dismissal for misconduct. One of the five reasons for fair dismissal of an employee is for their conduct whilst at work. ...
• Capability dismissal. ...
• Redundancy. ...
• Statutory restriction. ...
• Dismissal for some other substantial reason (SOSR)

What crimes does VAWA forgive?

Some examples of crimes that the VAWA visa may forgive include:

• Minor offenses like petty theft. ...
• Minor traffic violations. ...
• Possession of controlled substances in small amounts. ...
• Immigration law violations. ...
• Self-defense.

What is the 2 year rule for VAWA?

The VAWA 2-year rule allows abused spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) to self-petition for immigration relief (like a green card) up to two years after a qualifying event, such as divorce or the abuser's death, if the termination of status or marriage was connected to the abuse. It's a critical deadline for those whose marriages have ended, requiring them to file within 24 months of the final divorce decree or spouse's death to show the divorce/death was linked to the battery/cruelty, with no extensions available. 

Can I be deported if I have VAWA?

Unfortunately, having a pending VAWA self-petition does not mean that you have lawful status in the United States. However, your immigration attorney may be able to ask the government not to deport you or to stop your removal proceedings based on your pending self-petition.

How many months is VAWA approved?

For many VAWA applicants, the road to legal permanent residence is lengthy and complex. Here's what to expect: VAWA I‑360 self‑petition: ~41.5 months for adjudication. Adjustment of Status (I‑485): roughly 12–24 months after approval.

Does biometrics mean approval USCIS?

No. A biometrics appointment is a step to verify your identity. It does not mean your application has been approved, but it must be completed before USCIS can make a final decision on your case.

Is issued the same as approved?

✔ Approved = decision made that you qualify. ✔ Issued = visa printed & in your passport.