Immigration law continues to change, and we want to make sure you have the information you need to protect your case. This month, we are sharing important updates to VAWA self-petitions and a few reminders about USCIS requirements that affect all applicants.
If you have questions about how any of these updates apply to your situation, reach out to us.
Important Updates to VAWA Self-Petitions
VAWA, the Violence Against Women Act, allows certain immigrant victims of abuse to apply for a green card on their own, without the help or knowledge of their abuser. VAWA protects spouses, children, and parents, regardless of gender.
In December 2025, USCIS updated its policy guidance for VAWA self-petitioners. These changes went into effect immediately on December 22, 2025, and apply to all pending and future cases. The updates make it harder for some people to qualify. Here is what you need to know:
Residence With the Abuser Is Now Required
You must now show that you lived with the abuser during your qualifying relationship. This is a stricter requirement than before. Specifically:
- You cannot qualify based on visits to the abuser’s home alone.
- You must show that you shared a home with the abuser at some point during the relationship.
- For children, any period of visitation with the abusive parent still counts as residence.
Stricter Standard for “Battery or Extreme Cruelty”
USCIS now uses a narrower definition when deciding whether abuse qualifies as “battery or extreme cruelty.” Here is what this means for you:
- Officers now focus more on the severity and physical nature of the abuse.
- Conduct that is hurtful but considered limited in severity may not meet the new standard.
- Officers have more discretion to decide whether specific acts qualify.
Evidence Requirements Are Now Stricter
USCIS now gives more weight to certain types of documents and less weight to personal statements alone. Keep these points in mind when preparing your case:
- Police reports, hospital records, and social worker records carry more weight than a personal declaration alone.
- If you submit letters from others supporting your case, those letters must include the writer’s full name, address, date of birth, and details about how they know you.
- USCIS will compare the evidence you submit against information already in government databases.
- If you did not disclose relevant information, USCIS may use that against you when reviewing your case.
What this means for you: If you are thinking about filing a VAWA self-petition, do not wait. These changes make it more important than ever to work with an experienced immigration attorney before you file. A well-prepared case with strong documentation gives you the best chance of approval.
Contact our office to schedule a consultation. We will review your situation and help you understand your options.
Important Reminders for All Applicants
If you have a pending application or plan to file soon, please keep the following in mind.
- Electronic payments only. As of October 28, 2025, USCIS no longer accepts personal checks or money orders. You must pay all filing fees using a U.S. bank account (Form G-1650) or a credit or prepaid card (Form G-1450).
- Keep your address updated with USCIS. If you move, you must update your address within 10 days. Missing a notice can cause serious problems for your case. Update your address online at uscis.gov/addresschange.
- Studying for your naturalization test? Use the 2025 version. If you applied on or after October 20, 2025, you will take the new 2025 Civics Test. The new test has up to 20 questions, and you must answer at least 12 correctly to pass. Official study materials are available at uscis.gov.
We Are Here to Help
Immigration rules can change quickly, and small mistakes can lead to serious delays. At the Law Office of Christine Contreras, we are here to guide you through the process with clarity and care.
Reach out to schedule a consultation today. We will review your case, explain your options, and help you take the right steps toward your future.