U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued new policy guidance narrowing evidentiary standards for Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitions following what the agency calls an “alarming and unprecedented” rise in filings since 2020—up 360 % overall and more than 2,200 % for parental petitions.
Effective immediately, self-petitioners must show co-habitation with the alleged abuser, provide primary proof that any marriage was entered into in good faith, and, in step-relationship cases, demonstrate that the qualifying relationship continues if one party has died. Adjudicators retain sole discretion to decide what evidence is credible, a clarification meant to curb what USCIS describes as increasing fraud in the program.
Advocates for survivors fear legitimate victims may now face higher hurdles, especially where documentary evidence (leases, joint finances) is unavailable due to domestic abuse dynamics. USCIS counters that clearer standards will reduce requests for evidence and speed relief for genuine cases.
![USCIS Tightens VAWA Immigration Guidance After 360 % Surge in Self-Petitions]()
Although VisaHQ does not directly file VAWA self-petitions, its online platform and nationwide network of immigration professionals can help individuals and HR teams with related U.S. immigration paperwork, such as securing replacement I-94 records or coordinating consular visa renewals for family members affected by domestic-violence issues. Their resource center (https://www.visahq.com/united-states/) provides quick fee calculators, document checklists, and live support that can complement legal counsel’s strategy under the new USCIS guidance.
Employers should note that Form I-360 approval is often a prerequisite to employment authorization. The stricter review could prolong work-permit timelines for affected employees, so HR teams are advised to plan for longer gaps before onboarding or extensions.
Attorneys recommend that corporate mobility managers flag any foreign-national employee who may be relying on VAWA protections and ensure they receive timely legal counseling on supplemental documentation needs.
Effective immediately, self-petitioners must show co-habitation with the alleged abuser, provide primary proof that any marriage was entered into in good faith, and, in step-relationship cases, demonstrate that the qualifying relationship continues if one party has died. Adjudicators retain sole discretion to decide what evidence is credible, a clarification meant to curb what USCIS describes as increasing fraud in the program.
Advocates for survivors fear legitimate victims may now face higher hurdles, especially where documentary evidence (leases, joint finances) is unavailable due to domestic abuse dynamics. USCIS counters that clearer standards will reduce requests for evidence and speed relief for genuine cases.
Although VisaHQ does not directly file VAWA self-petitions, its online platform and nationwide network of immigration professionals can help individuals and HR teams with related U.S. immigration paperwork, such as securing replacement I-94 records or coordinating consular visa renewals for family members affected by domestic-violence issues. Their resource center (https://www.visahq.com/united-states/) provides quick fee calculators, document checklists, and live support that can complement legal counsel’s strategy under the new USCIS guidance.
Employers should note that Form I-360 approval is often a prerequisite to employment authorization. The stricter review could prolong work-permit timelines for affected employees, so HR teams are advised to plan for longer gaps before onboarding or extensions.
Attorneys recommend that corporate mobility managers flag any foreign-national employee who may be relying on VAWA protections and ensure they receive timely legal counseling on supplemental documentation needs.
