Background Checks in Leesburg VAWA Cases

When applying for a Green Card under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), you may be asked to undergo a background check. A refusal to do so could cause your VAWA application to be denied. Unfortunately, obtaining a background check involves other steps that are easy to overlook. However, with a trusted immigration attorney at your side, you may be able to obtain a background check fairly quickly. For more information on background checks in Leesburg VAWA cases, read more below.

Purpose of a Background Check

The main purpose of a background check is to confirm a person’s good moral character. An applicant must also obtain a police clearance from every state in which they have lived for more than six months in the last three years. They could obtain this clearance or a state record check from the respective police department.

Forms Needed to Be Completed for a Background Check

Forms may or may not need to be completed for the background check to take place. An applicant would reach out to the police department in each jurisdiction and each jurisdiction has a procedure as to how to request a police clearance. It is recommended that a VAWA applicant reach out to these jurisdictions to see how exactly they want to proceed with the police clearance and what documentation would be needed, if any.

Once all those steps are completed, Form I-360 and, if applicable, Form I-485, I-765, and I-131 are submitted to USCIS along with all the required evidence and fees.

Submitting Fingerprints/Biometrics

There are some jurisdictions that require a fingerprint to obtain the background check, but not all. USCIS may also require fingerprints when processing a person’s application. USCIS has designated locations in which one is able to do their fingerprints and biometrics. The nearest center to have biometrics taken would be stated in the USCIS notice. The reasoning behind a submission of biometrics is to determine if the VAWA applicant has any criminal history.

Other Information Necessary for Completing a VAWA Application

For a VAWA application, am applicant should submit evidence with Form I-360 of the relationship that they have/had with the abuser, whether the abuser is a lawful permanent resident or a U.S. citizen, evidence that the VAWA applicant is living or has lived with the abuser, and proof of the abuse that the applicant has suffered. It is possible that USCIS would send the applicant a Request for Evidence asking for specific evidence that may help USCIS determine if the applicant is eligible for VAWA if the evidence provided is deemed insufficient.

Assistance with Completing a VAWA Application

No assistance is more valuable than that of an attorney when trying to obtain legal status. For VAWA applications specifically, a lawyer could offer you guidance regarding any information that the application asks for and help you review your application so that you do not make any mistakes. To complete your application as soon as possible, it is important to reach out to an attorney today.