USCIS Restores Integrity to the VAWA Domestic Abuse Program After Finding Rampant Fraud

Release Date

12/22/2025

We are updating guidance in Volume 3 of the USCIS Policy Manual related to the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) program—a program where certain immigration benefits can be provided to survivors of domestic abuse. From fiscal years 2020 to 2024, the overall number of Form I-360 VAWA self-petitions increased by approximately 360% and male self-petitioners increased by 259%. These trends are alarming and unprecedented. By clarifying the policies and requirements for aliens filing VAWA self-petitions, we are better equipped to protect program integrity, combat fraud, and manage the VAWA program as intended by Congress.

While the eligibility requirements for a VAWA self-petition have not changed in several years, we have seen alarming new filing trends. Previously, the number of VAWA self-petitions we received each year generally grew at a rate similar to other immigration benefits. However, since 2020, we have seen an unprecedented rise in VAWA receipts. Along with a substantial increase in the number of filings, we also saw significant changes in the characteristics of aliens submitting VAWA self-petitions. In addition to the increase in male self-petitioners cited above, we also saw a 2239% increase in parents submitting VAWA self-petitions from fiscal year 2020 to 2024. These have not traditionally been populations filing for VAWA.

When unqualified aliens misuse the VAWA program, it causes significant processing delays, harming survivors with legitimate claims. We are prioritizing the integrity of the immigration process and the VAWA program as a resource for women and other alien survivors of abuse.

This policy update is part of an ongoing effort to respond to filing trends as well as recent fraud convictions related to the VAWA program. We are ensuring that policy guidance aligns with statutory and regulatory requirements as intended by Congress and giving our officers the tools to make accurate decisions. For example, this updated guidance:

• Codifies long-standing practices and gives a more detailed explanation of the provisions of VAWA that apply to USCIS adjudications;
• Streamlines the expectations of submitted evidence to reduce the need for requests for evidence or notices of intent to deny;
• Reinforces the statutory mandate under Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) 204(a)(1)(J) that the determination of what evidence is credible and what weight to give that evidence is within the sole discretion of USCIS;
• Revises policy to require that the self-petitioner reside with the abuser during ** the qualifying relationship;
• Requires self-petitioners to establish they entered a good-faith marriage with the alleged abuser by providing primary evidence of the marital relationship; and
• Amends the policy on the termination of a step relationship when either the biological or legal parent or the child dies, by requiring the self-petitioner to provide evidence that their relationship with the surviving abusive parent or child continues after filing. See the Policy Alert PDF for more information and policy highlights. The updated policy guidance applies to VAWA requests pending or filed on or after Dec. 22, 2025.

To report suspected immigration benefit fraud or abuse, please use the USCIS Tip Form. Visit the Policy Manual Feedback page to provide feedback on this update.

Last Reviewed/Updated:

12/22/2025

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