VAWA Processing Times: What To Expect in June 2026

Applying for relief under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) can take several years, so it’s crucial to understand the typical processing times and the factors that may influence them. VAWA provides a pathway for individuals who have experienced abuse from a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or parent to seek immigration relief and self-petition for a Green Card. For abuse victims, VAWA protections allow them to pursue a Green Card without relying on their abuser.

If you’re unsure of the best way to start your application, our guide to VAWA immigration can help you understand the steps and requirements.

Current processing times for VAWA in 2026

As of June 2026, these are the latest processing times for Form I-360 under VAWA.

⚠️ Processing times for VAWA petitions are long, and the backlog continues to grow, reaching a record high at the end of Fiscal Year 2025. You can also visit our USCIS Processing Times page to see the current wait period for all U.S. visas.

VAWA processing timeline

A VAWA petition requires gathering a large amount of sensitive, sometimes difficult-to-obtain evidence to prove abuse and the victim’s relationship to their abuser, and the process can feel overwhelming. Understanding the typical timeline for each phase can help you prepare and know what to expect.

Here’s a quick look at the complete process and VAWA processing time for each step:

Preparation and filing (1-2 Months)

• Gathering documents: This initial phase involves collecting all necessary documentation to support your VAWA self-petition. This includes proof of abuse (often a police report is helpful for VAWA requirements), evidence of your relationship with the abuser, and other supporting documents.
• Filing the petition: Your immigration attorney will prepare your VAWA self-petition (Form I-360) with USCIS. If you’re married to a U.S. citizen, you can generally file I-485 and I-765 concurrently with I-360.

Receipt notice (4-6 Weeks)

• Receipt notice: Within one to two weeks after filing, USCIS will send you a receipt notice (Form I-797C) confirming that they have received your petition. This notice will include your case number, which you can use to track the status of your petition on the USCIS website here.

Initial processing

• USCIS review: USCIS will begin reviewing your VAWA petition.
• Request for Evidence (RFE): If USCIS finds that additional information is needed, it may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE). Responding quickly to an RFE is key to keeping the process moving forward.

Establishment of prima facie case

• Prima facie determination: If USCIS finds that your VAWA petition meets the basic eligibility requirements and has sufficient preliminary evidence, you will receive a notice of “Establishment of Prima Facie Case.” Receiving this notice allows you to access certain benefits and protections while your case is further reviewed.

Additional processing

• Further review: After issuing the prima facie notice, USCIS continues to review your petition in detail. This includes evaluating the evidence, conducting background checks, and possibly scheduling an interview.
• Possible interview: In some cases, USCIS may require an interview. If an interview is scheduled, it could add several months to the processing time. The timing of the interview will depend on the availability of appointments with USCIS officers at local field offices.

Final decision

• Approval or denial: Once all reviews and checks are complete, USCIS will make a final decision on your VAWA petition. The overall processing time for receiving a final decision is around 49.5 months from the date of filing.
• Notification: You will receive a formal decision notice (Form I-797) informing you of the outcome. If your petition is approved, you will be granted VAWA status and can proceed with applying for a Green Card, if you’re eligible.

Adjustment of status (if applicable)

• Green Card application: If your VAWA petition is approved and you are eligible, you may file for adjustment of status to obtain lawful permanent residency. The processing time for this application is typically 8 to 18 months.

Factors that affect VAWA processing time

Each VAWA petition is unique, and several factors can impact how quickly your case is reviewed and decided. These factors include:

• Case complexity: More complex VAWA cases with extensive documentation or unusual circumstances may take longer to review.
• USCIS workload: High volume of applications or staff shortages at USCIS can lead to delays.
• Requests for additional information: If USCIS issues an RFE, delays in providing the needed information can extend processing time.
• Background checks: Thorough background checks are standard and can add time to the process.
• Additional interviews: Required interviews can add several months to the processing time, depending on scheduling.
• Personal circumstances: Keeping your address and contact information updated with USCIS is crucial to avoid missed notices and delays.
• Policy changes: Changes in USCIS policies or procedures can impact processing times.

Help for your VAWA immigration case

VAWA petitions require sensitive evidence of abuse, proof of your relationship, and documentation of shared residence. Having an experienced immigration attorney can make a difference in how your case is prepared and received by USCIS—especially after recent USCIS policy changes. An attorney can help you identify and gather the right evidence, avoid unnecessary mistakes, and guide you through every step of the process.

Our team at Manifest Law has experience helping VAWA petitioners navigate this process. Request a free consultation to discuss your situation.

FAQs about VAWA processing times

What is the 3-year rule for VAWA immigration?

Once you have a Green Card, you may apply for naturalization after three years if you got your Green Card by marriage, including through VAWA. Individuals who obtained Green Cards through employment or a different category must typically wait five years to apply for naturalization.

Can I work while my VAWA case is pending?

If you have a pending VAWA case, you can only work if you apply for employment authorization, using Form I-765 to receive a work permit. You can submit this application either after your I-360 is approved or with both the I-360 and the I-485 to adjust your status, if you choose to file concurrently. Filing an I-360 alone doesn’t give you permission to work.

How long does it take to get a Green Card after VAWA approval?

Once your VAWA petition is approved, the next step is applying for a Green Card to become a lawful permanent resident. The process involves submitting Form I-485 (for adjustment of status), which can take 9 to 42.5 months to process.

If your abuser is a U.S. citizen, a visa number may be available right away, and you can apply for an adjustment of status.

If your abuser is a lawful permanent resident, not a U.S. citizen, you may fall into one of the family preference categories, which means you will need to check the Visa Bulletin to see whether your priority date is current to be able to apply for the I-485.

Will my spouse find out that I’m applying for VAWA?

No, your application for VAWA is confidential. 

¿VAWA afecta al abusador?

VAWA tiene como objetivo principal proteger a las víctimas de violencia doméstica, pero también puede afectar indirectamente a los agresores, especialmente a través de las consecuencias legales. Cuando una víctima presenta una solicitud bajo VAWA, debe proporcionar evidencia de abuso, como informes policiales, registros médicos o declaraciones personales. Esta documentación puede desencadenar investigaciones criminales o llevar a órdenes de restricción contra el agresor, afectando su estatus legal y potencialmente resultando en cargos como asalto o acoso.

Además, si el agresor no es ciudadano, estos problemas legales pueden impactar su propio estatus migratorio, especialmente si se presentan cargos criminales como resultado del abuso. Aunque VAWA en sí misma no conduce automáticamente a la deportación del agresor, los antecedentes criminales relacionados con la violencia doméstica pueden complicar sus procedimientos migratorios, lo que podría llevar a la deportación o a la negación de beneficios migratorios.

Más allá de las consecuencias legales, VAWA empodera a las víctimas al permitirles buscar seguridad e independencia sin temor a perder su estatus migratorio, lo que interrumpe las dinámicas de poder y control en las que los agresores suelen apoyarse. Esto puede alterar significativamente la capacidad del agresor para manipular o intimidar a la víctima. Las disposiciones de VAWA enfatizan la prioridad de la seguridad y el bienestar de la víctima, colocando indirectamente la responsabilidad en el agresor a través del sistema legal más amplio.