Form I-360 VAWA — Self-Petition for Domestic Violence Victims (USCIS)
Form I-360 VAWA: self-petition without abuser for domestic violence victims (spouses, children, parents of abusive USC/LPR). FREE. Confidential. Allows green card.
Form I-360 VAWA — Self-Petition for Domestic Violence Victims (USCIS)
Download the official form
USCIS publishes Form I-360 as a free PDF. Always download the current version directly from USCIS — third-party copies may be outdated.
- Download Form I-360 (PDF) — official USCIS source
- Download Instructions for Form I-360 (PDF) — read before filling out the form
- File Form I-360 online with USCIS (where supported)
Official USCIS Fee (effective 2024-04-01)
Verified source: Federal Register 2024-01427
Fee: FREE
FREE for VAWA — domestic violence victim self-petition
Verify current fee
⚠️ USCIS fees can change. Verify the current fee before filing at:
- USCIS Fee Calculator — official tool
- USCIS Form G-1055 — full schedule
Form I-360 VAWA: Self-Petition for victims
VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) allows domestic violence/abuse victims to self-petition WITHOUT abuser’s signature or knowledge. This gives immigration independence to victims trapped by status.
Who qualifies
- Spouse abused by US citizen or LPR: legal documented union (marriage), abuse (physical, sexual, emotional, financial control, threats)
- Children of abusive US citizen/LPR — includes adoptive parents
- Parents of abusive US citizen (USC) — abusive child must be adult USC
INCLUDES: men, women, LGBT+, same-sex partners (legal marriage or common-law where applicable), documented/undocumented immigrants
USCIS fee
- FREE for VAWA self-petitions
- NOT required I-864 Affidavit of Support
- USCIS enhanced confidentiality — abuser will NOT be notified
Evidence
- Own identity (passport, birth certificate)
- Abuser’s identity and status (USC: passport/birth cert; LPR: green card)
- Marriage/relationship proof (doesn’t require ongoing, just genuine)
- Abuse evidence: police reports, protection orders, hospital records, injury photos, sworn statements from witnesses (family, friends, neighbors)
- Good character evidence (criminal background check)
USCIS processing time (2024)
- 18-36 months processing (severe backlog)
- While waiting, generally can apply for EAD (work permit)
Urgent resources
- VAWA National Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE
- National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV)
- Tahirih Justice Center — pro bono immigration for victims
- CAIR Coalition — DC/MD/VA area
- Local domestic violence shelters
IMPORTANT
- If in immediate danger, call 911
- Law protects victims REGARDLESS of immigration status
- ICE has policy of NOT arresting at courts/DV shelters (some exceptions)
Current USCIS processing times
USCIS publishes 80%-completion processing times per form, category, and service center. Times are updated monthly — verify the live data before relying on a deadline.
| Category | Office | 80% complete within |
|---|---|---|
| Afghan or Iraqi Translators and Afghan or Iraqi nationals who worked for on or behalf of the U.S. government | Service Center Operations (SCOPS) | 9.5 Months |
| All other special immigrants | Service Center Operations (SCOPS) | 20.5 Months |
| Religious workers | Service Center Operations (SCOPS) | 10.5 Months |
| Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) | Service Center Operations (SCOPS) | 49.5 Months |
Source: USCIS egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/. Data captured 2026-05-26. Verify current data before filing.
Recursos / Resources
Last verified: 2026-05-25.
General information — not legal advice.
Related procedural information
- Consulate of your country in the US — passport renewal, consular ID, document apostille
- ITIN — file federal taxes without SSN — required regardless of immigration status
- USCIS form library — federal immigration forms (I-130, I-485, N-400, etc.)
- Find an immigration attorney — pro bono lists + AILA + BIA-recognized
- Know Your Rights — ICE encounters — constitutional protections
Frequently asked questions
What is Form I-360 VAWA self-petition?
Who can self-petition under VAWA?
Is the VAWA petition confidential from the abuser?
Is there a filing fee for the VAWA I-360?
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General information, not legal advice. MigrantUSA is an independent publisher and is not a law firm; using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship, and this content is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney about your specific situation. US federal, state, and local government procedures, fees, and forms change. Always verify current details directly with the relevant agency before acting. For immigration, tax, or other legal matters specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or BIA-accredited representative.