Self-petitions for legal status under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

[Mpostory]

Applicant:

Male married for 5 years to abusive wife.

Have a sponser and does not want wife to know that I am adjusting status.

Been in college for the past 10 years and still under F1 status, working on 2nd Masters degree.

Have all documents from wife including her birth certifcate and our marriage certificate.

Do not have abuse made reports because never bothered to make any, maybe ignorance or fear of spouse or both.

Am not sure if this is enough of a case to file for change of status using the titled option.

Wife uncorporative and not supportive of assisting with my intended change of status application.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

I will answer more questions, if more clarification is needed.

Thank you.

[mtouch]

It seems like this law applies only to FEMALE victims (except that children whether male or female are also included. Since you're a male I don't know how you can use this law. Is your wife a US citizen ? It might be advisable to consult an immigration lawyer re: VAWA. Good luck.

[mickey_mouse]

It's called VAWA, but applies to *spouse* - being it male or female.

Download the instructions for I-360 from USCIS, check page 6. The main problem I see, and quoting:

5. Evidence of the abuse, such as reports and affidavits from police, judges and other court officials, medical personnel, school officials, clergy, social workers, and other social service agency personnel. If you have an order of protection, or have taken other legal steps to end the abuse, you should submit copies of those court documents;

By your own words, you have none of those. And dude, let's be honest:

"Been in college for the past 10 years and still under F1 status, working on 2nd Masters degree."

You've been in college for 10 years and working on a 2nd master's degree? How about getting a job ?

Not surprising your wife now and then verbally abuses you . . .

[mtouch]

Oh yes VAWA also applies to male (just read it today) but is applicable NOT ONLY to spouse but to anyone (even girlfriends or boyfriends).

[Mpostory]

Violence Against Women Act Victim - How do change status?

I have always been working every OPT opportunity, plus the hardship program sometimes.

Yes I knew that the VAWA applies to both sex, but what are the chances of success. I do not intent to let my wife know, and honestly her abuse have been more of emotional abuse rather than physical, and you know it guys making reports about such in a way belittles the one who is suppossed to be wearing the real pants in that household.

So I decided to be silent from making reports except to maybe church for support and close sympathizers.

Anyone who has utilized this process and with any knowhow, I will greatly appreciate any input.

Any input from fellow forum members is also most welcome.

[Mpostory]

Male Successfully Changed Status Through Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

Update:

Sept 2014: Filed 360, 485, and EAD

Oct 2014: EAD card received

Oct 2014: Biometrics requested

Nov 2014: RFE needed police clearance report, for good character portion of 360

Dec 2014: RFE needed proof of Psychology Evaluation since no physical abuse had been claimed

Feb 2015: 360 being reviewed

April 2015: 360 approved

April 2015: File sent to Summit, MO

May 2015: File send to local office **** ***

May 2015: Interview in person local office ****

June 2015: Successfully changed status, Green Card received

I filed by myself and no attorneys but did a ton of research using these online forums.

During interview questions asked are about what your filled on 485 and a few about yourself and your spouse, all in all less that 15 minutes interview. All paperwork send during initial phase will be filed and if they want to ask questions it will be from that pile of paperwork in your file. Before you show up for interview, they have already filtered thoroughly through your file and have established likely the outcome. They will take your I-94 card at that interview. Also need to take with you an 894W filled form with you because it is needed.

Thought I would share with you all since I also utilized this forum to do my research. Happy trails to y'all!

[inadmissible]

Congratulations mpostory!

[Mpostory]

Congratulations mpostory!

@inadmissible, mucho gracias amigo
@inadmissible , thank you very much my friend

[dreamy]

I sent 360, 485,765 894W.. When do i get receipt notice)

Your situation gives me some hope, I'm going through a similar process too so I have questions:

1) Did you first get receipt notice followed by another notice of establishing prima facie? if yes: When?

2) how exactly were you able to provide further evidence of emotional/psychological abuse? How was the psychological evaluation process? (where? sessions? cost?)


Thank you & congrats

Update:

Sept 2014: Filed 360, 485, and EAD

Oct 2014: EAD card received

Oct 2014: Biometrics requested

Nov 2014: RFE needed police clearance report, for good character portion of 360

Dec 2014: RFE needed proof of Psychology Evaluation since no physical abuse had been claimed

Feb 2015: 360 being reviewed

April 2015: 360 approved

April 2015: File sent to Summit, MO

May 2015: File send to local office **** ***

May 2015: Interview in person local office ****

June 2015: Successfully changed status, Green Card received

I filed by myself and no attorneys but did a ton of research using these online forums.

During interview questions asked are about what your filled on 485 and a few about yourself and your spouse, all in all less that 15 minutes interview. All paperwork send during initial phase will be filed and if they want to ask questions it will be from that pile of paperwork in your file. Before you show up for interview, they have already filtered thoroughly through your file and have established likely the outcome. They will take your I-94 card at that interview. Also need to take with you an 894W filled form with you because it is needed.

Thought I would share with you all since I also utilized this forum to do my research. Happy trails to y'all!