Forms Involved in an Alexandria VAWA Application

There are several important forms involved in an Alexandria VAWA application. The form for requesting benefits under VAWA is Form I-360. It is available at uscis.gov. The applicant answers all of the biographic information on the I-360 form and submits evidence of a qualifying relationship to a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident. Applying for VAWA can be a long and complicated process, making it beneficial to consult an experienced immigration lawyer for assistance. Read on to learn more about the different forms involved in an Alexandria VAWA application, as well as the ways a skilled attorney could represent your best interests today.

Establishing Qualification with Form I-360

Of all the forms involved in an Alexandria VAWA application, the first form to complete is Form I-360, which is the self-petition. It is the form that the petitioner will use to establish that they are in a qualifying relationship with the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, that they have lived with the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident abuser, that they experienced abuse or extreme cruelty at the hands of the U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and that the petitioner is an individual of good moral character. The evidence that is submitted of cohabitation includes employment records, bills, school records, hospital records, birth certificates, mortgages, and leases.

If only the I-360 is granted, the VAWA applicant may receive deferred action and apply for work authorization while they wait to apply for the Green Card with Form I-485. If the individual is eligible to apply for the I-485 adjustment application, they may wait for that application to be adjudicated.

Submitting Form I-485 to Register Permanent Residence

Applying for adjustment means submitting form I-485, the application to register permanent residence or adjust one’s immigration status. Of the forms involved in an Alexandria VAWA application, this requires providing biographic information and information regarding eligibility to file for adjustment. In this case, it would mean providing evidence of the qualifying relationship between the abuser and the adjustment applicant. It also means providing biographic evidence, such as passports or birth certificates. The applicant must present two passport photos, a medical examination on form I-603, and the filing fees of $1,140 plus and $85 biometric fee.

Employment Authorization

Once the applicant submits the form I-485, they are eligible to file Form I-765, the application for employment authorization. Of the forms involved in an Alexandria VAWA application, this requires providing biographic information and two passport photos and determining the category under which one is applying for work authorization.

 

Obtaining a Letter of Support

A letter from a therapist or psychologist on its own will not suffice to demonstrate abuse or extreme cruelty. The therapist or psychologist is evaluating the individual’s psychological state and cannot determine the veracity of the events that may have occurred. Affidavits from third parties, pictures, hospital records, police reports, and other secondary evidence will corroborate with the psychological evaluation that the applicant has suffered abuse or extreme cruelty.

The Importance of Therapy

Having a therapist or psychologist will be helpful to the applicant. In addition to providing the evaluation that will corroborate that the applicant demonstrates behavior or feelings of an individual who has suffered abuse or extreme cruelty, the psychologist or therapist will be available as a resource to keep the applicant invested in the process and in a good mental state. Often there are delays with the adjudication of these petitions and it could be aggravating and frustrating to someone dealing with abuse. It is also not a pleasant experience to divulge the intimate details of a relationship and disclose the abuse. A mental health professional can be a great asset in providing tools for coping with this trauma.

If you wish to learn more about the different forms involved in an Alexandria VAWA application, reach out to a dedicated immigration lawyer today for your initial consultation.

Alexandria VAWA Applications

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