Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
Violence Against Women Act
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) allows victims of domestic violence to obtain a protected status and pathway to Lawful Permanent Residency (LPR). To qualify for relief under VAWA, an individual must have been the victim of abuse by:
- a U.S. Citizen spouse or former spouse
- a U.S. Citizen parent
- a U.S. Citizen child
- a Lawful Permanent Resident spouse or former spouse
- a Lawful Permanent Resident parent
It's important to note that VAWA is not limited to women. Anyone, regardless of gender, who meets the requirements may self-petition under VAWA using USCIS form I-360, which allows a self-petitioner to file without the knowledge of the abusive family member.
The Attorney for Students Office Understands that this is a sensitive topic, but we encourage you to schedule an appointment to speak with an experienced immigration attorney in our office so we can advise, advocate for, and counsel you.
The Attorney for Students Office is comprised of three attorneys with more than 35 years of combined legal experience. Additionally, the Attorney for Students has over ten years of immigration experience, so Bobcats can rest assured that their case is in good hands.
Our office--including attorneys and all of our office staff--is bound by the duty of confidentiality and attorney-client privilege. Any communication you make with our office, including phone calls, emails, or in-person and virtual meetings, are protected and privileged. Information about your status or other personal information is safe here.
To make an appointment with an immigration lawyer, give us a call at (512) 245-2370. Be sure to have your student ID # (ex: A01234567) available to schedule an appointment.