For many survivors of abuse by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provides a path to safety and legal status without relying on their abuser. Once a VAWA self-petition is approved, the next step for many applicants is adjusting their status to become a lawful permanent resident. But how long does this process take, and what steps are involved?
If you’re considering applying for a green card based on an approved VAWA petition, or you’ve already filed and are waiting for your case to move forward, understanding the general timeline can help you make informed decisions and reduce some of the uncertainty.
Who Can Apply for a Green Card Under VAWA
VAWA allows certain individuals who have been abused by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or adult child to self-petition for immigration relief. If the VAWA petition is approved, the self-petitioner may become eligible to apply for adjustment of status (a green card) without the help or involvement of the abusive relative.
To be eligible to adjust status under VAWA, an applicant must meet certain requirements:
- Be physically present in the United States
- Have an approved (or concurrently filed) VAWA Form I-360 petition
- Be admissible to the U.S. or qualify for a waiver of inadmissibility
- Have an immigrant visa immediately available (based on a visa bulletin or immediate relative classification)
- Not be subject to any bars to adjustment (some waivers may apply)
Concurrent Filing vs. Filing After I-360 Approval
In many cases, VAWA applicants can file Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) at the same time as their I-360 petition. This is known as concurrent filing and is available to self-petitioners who qualify as “immediate relatives” of U.S. citizens. This includes:
- Spouses of U.S. citizens
- Parents of U.S. citizen children age 21 or older
- Children under 21 of U.S. citizens
For those who qualify, concurrent filing allows USCIS to begin processing the green card application right away, which can shorten the total wait time. However, the green card will not be approved until the I-360 is approved first.
Typical Timeline After Filing a VAWA-Based I-485
Although each case is unique, here is a general breakdown of what happens and how long each stage may take:
- Receipt Notices (2 to 4 weeks):
After filing the I-360 and I-485 (or just the I-485 if the I-360 is already approved), USCIS will send receipt notices to confirm they received your application. You will also receive notices for any other forms filed, such as Form I-765 (for a work permit) and Form I-131 (for advance parole). - Biometrics Appointment (1 to 2 months):
USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment where your fingerprints and photo will be taken. This is typically scheduled at a local USCIS office and is a routine part of the process. - Work Permit and Travel Document (4 to 6 months):
If you submitted Forms I-765 and I-131 with your I-485, you may receive your work permit and advance parole document while your green card application is pending. This can allow you to work and travel during the wait time. - I-360 Decision (42.5 months):
If you filed your I-360 and I-485 together, USCIS must approve the I-360 before making a decision on your green card. VAWA petitions can take several months to over a year to process, depending on the service center and the case’s complexity. If your I-360 is already approved, you can skip this step. - Adjustment of Status Interview (9 to 20 months):
Most green card applicants will be scheduled for an interview at a local USCIS field office. In VAWA cases, the interview usually focuses on admissibility and other eligibility factors—not the abusive relationship—since that was already reviewed during the I-360 stage. - However, in some cases, USCIS may still ask about the relationship to confirm the facts. Having an attorney with you at the interview can help ensure your rights are protected and your case is presented clearly.
- Green Card Decision (Shortly After Interview):
If your interview goes well and there are no further questions or security checks needed, your green card may be approved shortly after the interview. If additional evidence is needed, you may receive a Request for Evidence (RFE), which can delay the process.
Factors That May Affect Your Timeline
Several things can speed up or slow down your case:
- Backlogs at USCIS: Processing times can vary by service center and field office
- Visa availability: For preference categories, a visa must be available before adjustment
- Concurrent vs. non-concurrent filing: Concurrent filing often results in faster processing
- Requests for Evidence: If USCIS needs more documentation, it will pause your case until you respond
- Criminal history or past immigration violations: These may require waivers or extra review
What to Do While Waiting
Waiting for a green card can be stressful, especially for VAWA self-petitioners who are rebuilding their lives after abuse. Here are a few things you can do during the wait:
- Keep your address updated with USCIS so you don’t miss any notices
- Respond to any requests from USCIS as quickly and thoroughly as possible
- Work legally if you’ve received a work permit
- Stay in touch with your attorney, especially if your circumstances change
Working With an Attorney Helps
VAWA cases are complex and highly sensitive. From proving abuse to preparing for adjustment interviews, there are many legal and procedural steps where having professional help makes a difference. An experienced immigration attorney can guide you through:
- Filing your I-360 and I-485 correctly
- Addressing any inadmissibility concerns
- Preparing for your green card interview
- Following up with USCIS if your case is delayed
A Path Toward Safety and Stability
Adjusting status through VAWA is more than a legal process—it’s a step toward safety, freedom, and independence. At Saavedra & Perez Law, we help survivors navigate the system with compassion and clarity. Whether you’re just beginning your VAWA case or waiting for your green card, we are here to support you every step of the way. Your future matters. With careful planning and the right legal guidance, permanent residency can become a reality. Let us help you move forward with confidence.