Weak Personal Declaration
Your personal declaration is the most important piece of evidence in a VAWA case. A vague or disorganized statement can undermine an otherwise strong case. We help you build a detailed, credible narrative.
3,000+ Families Served
you have the right to file on your own
VAWA Self-Petition
Confidential Immigration Relief for Survivors of Abuse
If you are a victim of domestic violence by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse, parent, or child — you can petition for your own green card without their knowledge or cooperation. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) protects survivors of all genders. Occam Immigration files confidential I-360 self-petitions and guides you through every step — from evidence building to green card approval.
Your safety and your immigration status are not controlled by the same person.
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where most cases go wrong
Top Pitfalls That Derail So Many Applications
VAWA cases require precision and sensitivity. A weak declaration, missing evidence, or a procedural misstep can delay or derail protection you urgently need. These are the most common mistakes we see before clients come to us.
Insufficient Corroborating Evidence
USCIS does not require a police report or conviction — but the more corroboration you have, the stronger your case. Medical records, therapy notes, photos, texts, and witness statements all matter.
Missing the Good Faith Marriage Element
For spouse-based VAWA petitions, you must prove the marriage was entered in good faith — not just that abuse occurred. Joint finances, shared leases, photos, and communications are all part of this showing.
Filing Without Legal Guidance
VAWA is one of the most legally and emotionally complex immigration filings. Mistakes in documentation, timing, or legal argument can result in denial — and in some cases, alert the abuser. Professional guidance is not optional.
Everything Working With Occam Includes
What You'll Get When You Work With Us
- Confidential filing — USCIS cannot contact or notify the abuser at any stage
- Self-petition without your abuser's knowledge, cooperation, or sponsorship
- Work authorization (EAD) available once your case receives prima facie approval
- Deferred action status protecting you from removal while your case is pending
- Path to lawful permanent residence (green card) without depending on your abuser
- 30-day filing through our Fast-Track-to-Filing™ program — it's how we operate
Why Survivors Choose Occam Immigration
- Confidentiality First VAWA cases live or die on confidentiality. We handle every communication, every filing, and every piece of evidence with protocols designed to keep you safe.
- Trauma-Informed Approach We understand the emotional weight of these cases. Our team builds your case around your timeline, your comfort level, and your safety — never pressuring you to relive more than necessary.
- Evidence That Holds Up The personal declaration is the centerpiece of a VAWA case. We help you write a declaration that is thorough, credible, and legally persuasive — not a generic template.
- Attorney-Led Throughout VAWA cases are high-stakes and legally nuanced. Your case is handled by immigration attorneys with specific VAWA experience, not general practitioners.
- RFE Response Ready If USCIS issues a Request for Evidence, we respond with precision — strengthening the record with additional documentation, expert letters, or supplementary declarations.
simple. fast. done.
We PROTECT survivors and build a confidential path to lawful permanent residence.
A Modern Immigration Experience
Average time from consultation to filing: 30 days or less
Start Your VAWA Case Todayfiled in 30 days. here's how.
Fast-Track To Filing™ Program
We don't do one-size-fits-all. Your attorney will collect the information we need for the forms and work with you to build a winning case strategy right for you and your circumstances.
While you are collecting and uploading evidence, your legal team is building your application. With scheduled check-ins at least once a week, your case stays on track.
During your scheduled final review session, your attorney will go over the application package in detail, ensuring accuracy and completeness. The legal team triple-checks the package and files your application – all this in 30 days or less!
While your application is pending, we have monthly check-in appointments to give you updates, answer questions and keep your case moving forward to the finish line.
Strategy Session
Week 1Case review & custom plan
Application Building
Weeks 2–3Evidence & form preparation
Review & Filing
Week 4Triple-checked & submitted
Ongoing Support
OngoingMonthly check-ins until approval
Filed in 30 days or less
Industry average: 6+ months
no office visit needed.
File Your Case From Anywhere
Most of our clients never step foot in an office — and their cases move just as fast. From your first consultation to your final approval, everything happens through OccamOne, our secure client platform. Even your video calls happen right inside the app — no downloads, no setup.
- Track your case in real time
- Upload documents securely
- Message your attorney directly
- Join video calls right inside the app
from confidential consultation to green card — your path to safety and status
How It Works
01
Confidential Consultation
We start with a private, confidential consultation to understand your situation, assess eligibility, and explain the VAWA self-petition process. Nothing is shared with anyone without your consent.
02
Get Onboard
Review and sign your Engagement Agreement online. It clearly lays out what to expect from us. We'll invoice you for the legal fee, payable online.
03
Orientation
Once you become a client, you'll meet your Case Manager by video. They'll help you organize your evidence and schedule your Strategy & Information Session with your attorney.
04
Evidence Building
Our legal team works with you to build the core of your case — your personal declaration, corroborating evidence, good faith marriage documentation, and proof of qualifying relationship and residence.
05
Fast Track to Filing
We prepare and file your complete I-360 VAWA self-petition with USCIS in 30 days or less. Every document is reviewed by an attorney before submission.
06
Prima Facie & Work Authorization
Once USCIS issues a prima facie determination, we immediately file for your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and deferred action status. You can begin working legally while your case is adjudicated.
07
Green Card Filing
After your I-360 is approved, we guide you through adjustment of status — filing for your green card without any involvement from or notice to the abuser.
don't take our word for it
Stories of Strength
Safe and Free
“I was terrified that filing would put me in danger. Occam explained the confidentiality protections, handled everything privately, and I received my prima facie determination without my ex ever knowing I filed. For the first time in years, I feel safe.”
Maria L., VAWA Self-Petition Approved
Verified Occam Immigration Client
Work Authorization in Weeks
“After years of depending on my spouse for everything — including my immigration status — Occam helped me file my own petition. I had my work permit within months and am now supporting myself and my children independently.”
Priya K., VAWA EAD Approved
Verified Occam Immigration Client
A Second Chance
“I didn't think I had options. My husband controlled everything, including whether I could stay in this country. Occam showed me that VAWA exists for exactly this situation. They were patient, they were kind, and they got my case approved. I have my green card now.”
Elena S., VAWA Green Card Approved
Verified Occam Immigration Client
Believed and Supported
“Other attorneys didn't take my case seriously because I didn't have a police report. Occam explained that USCIS looks at the full picture. They helped me gather therapy records, text messages, and wrote my declaration with me. The case was approved on the first filing.”
James T., VAWA Self-Petition Approved
Verified Occam Immigration Client
The testimonials above are from actual Occam Immigration clients. Results in their cases do not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for others. Every immigration case is unique and depends on its own facts and circumstances, which is why working with attorneys experienced in your specific case type matters.
your move.
Not sure if you qualify for VAWA?
Eligibility depends on your relationship, the type of abuse, and your immigration history. Let Occam assess your situation confidentially — no obligation, no risk.
We take on a limited number of new cases each month.
Book a Confidential Consultationgot questions?
VAWA Questions, Answered
You may qualify if you are the spouse, child, or parent of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who has subjected you to battery or extreme cruelty. You must demonstrate a qualifying relationship, that the abuse occurred during the relationship, that you entered the marriage in good faith (for spouse petitions), that you have good moral character, and that you reside in the United States.
No. Despite the name, VAWA protections apply to all genders equally. Male victims, individuals in same-sex relationships, and children of abusive parents all qualify for VAWA self-petitions.
No. VAWA cases carry strict confidentiality protections. USCIS cannot disclose any information about your case to the abuser, contact the abuser for verification, or use any information provided by the abuser to deny your petition. These protections are codified in federal law.
No. A police report is not required. USCIS evaluates VAWA cases based on the totality of the evidence — including your personal declaration, medical records, therapy records, photographs, text messages, witness statements, and any other corroborating documentation. Many successful cases are filed without police reports.
After reviewing your I-360, USCIS issues a prima facie determination if it finds that your petition appears meritorious on its face. This is not a final approval, but it unlocks critical benefits — including eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and deferred action status, which protects you from removal while your case is adjudicated.
Yes, in certain circumstances. You can file a VAWA self-petition within two years of a divorce if the divorce was connected to the abuse. You can also file if your abuser has died, or if the abuser lost immigration status within the past two years due to an incident of domestic violence.
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Here's Exactly What Happens Next
You’ve done the research. You know what you want. Here’s how we make it happen, quickly, clearly, and without the runaround:
- Submit an Inquiry
- We’ll reach out to schedule your consultation
- Talk to a Lawyer
- Get Onboard
We limit our caseload each month to keep our 30-day filing promise. Availability varies.