VAWA Self-Petition (Green Card for Abused Spouses, Children & Parents)

Can I get a green card without my abuser's help?

Yes. If you've been abused by a U.S. citizen or green card holder who is your spouse, parent, or (adult) child, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) lets you petition for a green card on your own — quietly, without their permission, their signature, or their knowledge. It applies to people of any gender. You don't have to stay in the relationship, and you don't have to depend on the person who hurt you to get your status.

Your privacy is protected. By law, the government cannot tell your abuser that you've filed, and they are not notified or asked to take part. If you're reading this on a shared device, know that you can reach out safely. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. To talk to someone confidentially any time, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233.

What counts as abuse?

More than you might think. It includes physical violence, but also extreme cruelty — threats, intimidation, controlling your money or your documents, isolating you from family, and other forms of emotional and psychological abuse. You don't need police reports or a criminal case to qualify. There are many ways to show what you've lived through, and part of my job is helping you do that.

Who qualifies?

• You're the abused spouse of a U.S. citizen or green card holder (your children can often be included with you).

• Or you're an abused child of a U.S. citizen or green card holder.

• Or you're an abused parent of a U.S. citizen who is at least 21.

• The relationship is real, and you're a person of good moral character.

What I do for you

I handle the self-petition (Form I-360) and everything that follows, always at your pace and on your terms. I help you gather the right evidence, tell your story clearly and safely, and move toward a green card — with the confidentiality protections working for you the whole way. Twenty-five years of immigration work, for clients across the country, entirely online. Filipino spoken.

How much does a VAWA case cost?

My fee is approximately $3500, plus any government filing fees. I keep fees low and predictable, and I offer discounts in hardship situations — please just ask. Cost should never be the reason you stay in an unsafe situation.