After many years working in immigration and helping victims of various types of crimes, we’ve noticed that specific questions or concerns often come up. That’s why we created this article—for anyone considering applying for a VAWA visa or seeking more information about it.

Let’s start by asking who is eligible to apply for VAWA. You must be a victim of abuse whose relationship with the abuser qualifies, and the abuser must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. To qualify, the relationship must be or have been as a spouse, child, or stepchild.

Another question to clarify quickly is what type of crime or abuse qualifies for this type of visa. The VAWA visa is designed to assist victims of physical, emotional, or financial abuse. Evidence must be provided showing how the abuse has impacted the victim’s life. Additional evidence required includes proof of the relationship and proof of good moral character.

Regarding the processing time, it’s not a simple or quick process. It can take over a year, depending on the number of applications being processed by USCIS.

A significant benefit of the VAWA visa is that once granted, the victim can apply for a work permit in the U.S. Moreover, after approval, the recipient can apply for permanent residency after the required time has passed—up to a 3-year waiting period for the VAWA visa and about a year and a half for residency.

Remember, if you have specific questions about your case, El Abogado Cardenas is here to help. You can take our online quiz to see if you qualify or contact us to discuss your situation. We are immigration experts!