Key Takeaways
• From December 2024, USCIS requires in-person interviews for VAWA self-petitioners with pending I-360 and I-485 forms.
• USCIS intensifies fraud prevention, investigating suspicious VAWA cases and working with law enforcement to catch fraudsters.
• Applicants must prepare for interviews by reviewing evidence, responding to RFEs, and seeking legal help if possible.
In July 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) introduced major updates to how it investigates and decides Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitions. These changes are designed to strengthen the program’s integrity and prevent fraud, while still protecting real survivors of abuse. If you are a VAWA self-petitioner or represent someone who is, it’s important to understand what has changed, who is affected, what steps you need to take, and how these updates might impact your case.
Summary of What Changed
The biggest change is that, starting in December 2024, USCIS began requiring in-person interviews for certain VAWA self-petitioners. Before this, most VAWA self-petitions were decided by reviewing paperwork only, without meeting the applicant face-to-face. Now, if you have both a pending Form I-360 (the VAWA self-petition) and a pending Form I-485 (the application for adjustment of status, or green card), you may be called for an interview at your local USCIS Field Office.
This new interview process is part of a wider effort by USCIS to prevent fraud and make sure that only genuine survivors benefit from VAWA protections. The agency has also increased its focus on investigating suspicious cases and working with law enforcement to stop people from abusing the system.
Let’s break down these updates in detail, explain who is affected, what actions are required, and what these changes mean for people with pending VAWA applications.
Who Is Affected by the New USCIS VAWA Interview Policy?
- Applicants with Both I-360 and I-485 Pending:
If you have filed both Form I-360 (VAWA self-petition) and Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) at the same time, you may now be called for an in-person interview. - Stand-Alone I-360 Petitioners:
If you only have a pending I-360 and have not filed I-485, you are generally not required to attend an interview at this time. -
Applicants with Past or Pending Fraud Concerns:
If your case has signs of possible fraud, you may face extra scrutiny, even if you are not in the group normally called for interviews. -
Attorneys and Legal Representatives:
Lawyers and accredited representatives need to prepare clients for the possibility of interviews and help them gather and organize evidence.
Effective Dates and Transition
- December 2024:
The new in-person interview requirement for certain VAWA self-petitioners took effect. -
July 2025:
The policy is fully in place, and USCIS continues to review and adjust its procedures as needed.
Required Actions for VAWA Self-Petitioners
If you are a VAWA self-petitioner with both I-360 and I-485 pending, here’s what you need to do:
- Watch for Interview Notices:
- USCIS will send you a notice if you are selected for an interview. The notice will include the date, time, and location (your local USCIS Field Office).
- Prepare for the Interview:
- Review your entire application and all supporting documents.
- Make sure your story is consistent and matches the evidence you submitted.
- Bring original copies of all documents, including police reports, medical records, counseling records, and affidavits.
- If possible, work with a lawyer or accredited representative who understands VAWA cases.
- Respond to Requests for Evidence (RFEs):
- If USCIS asks for more information or documents, respond quickly and completely. Delays or incomplete answers can hurt your case.
- Know Your Rights:
- USCIS officers are trained to use a trauma-informed approach. They should treat you with respect and protect your privacy.
- USCIS will not contact your alleged abuser during the investigation, so your safety is protected.
- Stay Informed:
- Check the USCIS VAWA page for updates and official guidance.
- Reach out to legal aid groups like ASISTA or the Immigrant Legal Resource Center for help and resources.
Details of the New In-Person Interview Process
Why Are Interviews Being Introduced?
USCIS started in-person interviews for certain VAWA self-petitioners to:
- Check Credibility:
Officers can meet applicants face-to-face and ask questions to see if their stories are believable and match the evidence. -
Review Original Documents:
Officers can look at original police reports, medical records, and other evidence to make sure they are real. -
Prevent Fraud:
The interviews help USCIS spot fake cases, such as sham marriages or made-up abuse claims. -
Protect Program Integrity:
By making it harder to submit false claims, USCIS hopes to keep the VAWA program strong for real survivors.
How Are Interviews Conducted?
- Location:
Interviews take place at the USCIS Field Office that covers where you live. -
Officer Training:
Officers receive special training on how to talk to survivors of abuse. They use a “trauma-informed” approach, which means they try to avoid causing more stress or harm. -
Confidentiality:
Officers must keep your information private and never contact your alleged abuser. -
What to Expect:
- You may be asked about your relationship, the abuse you suffered, and your immigration history.
- Officers may ask for more details or clarification if something in your application is unclear.
- You can bring your lawyer or representative to the interview.
Does an Interview Mean There’s a Problem With My Case?
No. Being called for an interview does not mean USCIS thinks you did something wrong. It is now a normal part of the process for many applicants. However, it does mean you need to be well-prepared and honest.
USCIS Fraud Prevention and Investigation Efforts
USCIS has stepped up its efforts to find and stop fraud in VAWA self-petitions. This is because of several recent cases where people tried to get immigration benefits by lying about abuse or entering fake marriages.
Recent Example:
- In May 2025, an Indian citizen was convicted after USCIS found that he submitted a fake VAWA petition based on a sham marriage and false abuse claims. This case shows how USCIS works with law enforcement to catch and punish fraud.
How Does USCIS Investigate VAWA Fraud?
- Evidence Checks:
Officers carefully review all documents, looking for signs that something is fake or doesn’t add up. -
Requests for More Information:
If something seems off, USCIS may ask for more documents or explanations. -
No Contact With Abusers:
To protect survivors, USCIS never contacts the alleged abuser as part of its investigation. -
Collaboration With Law Enforcement:
In serious cases, USCIS works with U.S. Attorney’s Offices and other agencies to investigate and prosecute fraud.
Public Awareness Campaigns
USCIS has also started a campaign to teach the public about VAWA fraud. The goal is to protect the program and make sure people know the rules.
Review and Verification Process for VAWA Petitions
Every VAWA self-petition is reviewed carefully by USCIS officers who are trained to handle sensitive cases. Here’s what happens:
- Verification of Evidence:
Officers check all the documents you submit, such as police reports, medical records, counseling notes, and personal statements (affidavits). -
Requests for Evidence (RFEs):
If something is missing or unclear, USCIS will send you a letter asking for more information. It’s very important to answer these requests quickly and fully. -
No Contact With Alleged Abusers:
To keep you safe, USCIS will never reach out to your abuser for information. -
Confidentiality:
Your information is kept private throughout the process.
Advocacy and Concerns From Stakeholders
Many organizations that help immigrant survivors, like ASISTA and the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, have raised concerns about the new interview process. They worry that:
- Survivors May Feel More Stress:
Going to an interview can be scary, especially for people who have suffered abuse. -
Officers Need More Training:
It’s important that officers understand domestic violence and know how to talk to survivors without causing more harm. -
Legal Representation Is Critical:
Having a lawyer or advocate can help survivors feel safer and more prepared.
These groups are pushing USCIS to keep improving officer training and to make sure interviews are done in a way that protects survivors.
Practice Tips for Attorneys and Advocates
- Prepare Clients Thoroughly:
Go over the client’s story and evidence in detail before the interview. -
Screen for Eligibility and Risks:
Make sure the client qualifies for VAWA and that there are no hidden problems. -
Organize Evidence:
Have all documents ready and easy to find. -
Support Clients Emotionally:
Help clients understand what to expect and how to handle stress.
Implications for Pending Applications
If you have a VAWA self-petition or adjustment of status application pending, here’s what these changes mean for you:
- You May Be Called for an Interview:
If you have both I-360 and I-485 pending, be ready for an interview. -
Prepare Early:
Start organizing your documents and reviewing your story now, even before you get an interview notice. -
Legal Help Is More Important Than Ever:
Consider getting a lawyer or advocate to help you prepare. -
Respond Quickly to USCIS Requests:
Don’t ignore letters or requests for more evidence. -
Your Safety Is Protected:
USCIS will not contact your abuser, and your information is kept private. -
No Change in Eligibility or Evidence Rules:
The basic requirements for VAWA have not changed. The new process just adds an extra step for some applicants.
Future Outlook and What to Expect Next
USCIS may continue to adjust its policies as it learns more about how the new interview process works. The agency could expand interviews to more applicants or change how they are done, depending on what it finds.
Advocacy groups will keep pushing for better training and more protections for survivors. Feedback from lawyers, survivors, and community groups will help shape future rules and possible changes in the law.
It’s important to stay informed by checking the official USCIS VAWA page and talking to trusted legal advisors.
Official Resources and Where to Get Help
- USCIS VAWA Webpage:
Find official forms, instructions, and updates at the USCIS VAWA page. -
Legal Aid Organizations:
Groups like ASISTA and the Immigrant Legal Resource Center offer free resources and advice for survivors and their advocates. -
USCIS Field Offices:
If you are called for an interview, your notice will tell you which Field Office to go to. -
Reporting Fraud or Getting Help:
If you suspect fraud or need help, you can contact USCIS or law enforcement. More information is available on the USCIS Contact Center.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
- If you have both a VAWA I-360 and I-485 pending, prepare for a possible in-person interview.
- Gather and organize all your evidence and review your story for consistency.
- Respond quickly to any USCIS requests for more information.
- Seek legal help if possible, especially if you are nervous about the interview.
- Remember, your safety and privacy are protected throughout the process.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes reflect USCIS’s effort to balance fraud prevention with the need to protect real survivors. While the process may feel more demanding, it is designed to keep the VAWA program strong and fair for those who truly need it.
Stay informed, be prepared, and reach out for help if you need it. The VAWA program remains a vital lifeline for immigrant survivors of abuse, and these updates aim to ensure it continues to serve those who need it most.
Learn Today
VAWA → Violence Against Women Act allowing certain immigrant survivors to self-petition for legal status independently.
Form I-360 → Petition used by immigration beneficiaries, including VAWA self-petitioners, to request specific status adjustments.
Form I-485 → Application to adjust status to permanent resident (green card) submitted alongside Form I-360 in some VAWA cases.
Request for Evidence (RFE) → USCIS notice requesting additional information or documents to support a visa or petition application.
Trauma-informed approach → Interview method sensitive to abuse survivors to minimize stress and protect privacy during USCIS processing.
This Article in a Nutshell
USCIS now mandates interviews for certain VAWA self-petitioners, enhancing fraud prevention while safeguarding survivors. Prepare thoroughly, respond promptly to requests, and seek legal support to navigate the updated process protecting genuine abuse victims effectively.
— By VisaVerge.com
