Vawa biometrics done what next


vawa biometrics done what next

I am Supriya Gill, a licensed lawyer and in this article, I will guide you through what to expect after your biometrics appointment and provide you with valuable insights to facilitate you navigate the remaining steps in your VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) application journey. 

We congratulate you on the completion of your VAWA biometrics appointment. This is a major step in your VAWA application process, thus, bringing you one step closer to getting the protection and benefits you deserve. 

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) biometrics process is an important component of the application which verifies the petitioner’s identity, conducts background checks and ensures the integrity of the immigration system. 

When your biometrics appointment is completed, the Joined States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will undertake crucial tasks such as processing your fingerprints and photo to verify your identity, reviewing your application and ultimately determining your eligibility for VAWA benefits. 

With this comprehensive article, you can better understand the VAWA application process and experience more confident in achieving a successful out

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What is the real timeline that you can expect in your VAWA application? Over the past 14 years my office has successfully processed thousands of VAWA applications! We help clients file VAWA cases almost every single day, so I have a very thorough understanding of how long things can take in your VAWA case, what to expect, and what will happen next.

In this video I am going to share actual timelines of what you can expect during each stage of your VAWA case, including how long it will take for you to get your citizenship and your green card once your VAWA application is approved. This way you will know what is a reasonable time to expect to wait, and what may be normal and what may be outside of processing times.

VAWA Case Filing Timeline

Preparing your VAWA case is going to be the very first stage in your case, and this is where you want to take as much time as is necessary in order to prepare a strong case with the right types of evidence and ensure the highest chance of success. Typically, you will want to prepare the actual forms that you need to prove your VAWA application.

The only form that you actually need to file for VAWA is call the form I-360 appl

Applying for immigration relief under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is a critical step for individuals seeking safety and independence from abusive relationships. But one of the most common and pressing questions applicants have is: How long does a VAWA processing time take?

In this article, we’ll break down what to expect with the process, from start to finish, and the key factors that can affect how quickly – or slowly – your case is resolved.

 

What Is VAWA and Who Qualifies?

The Violence Against Women Act allows certain individuals – regardless of gender – who have experienced abuse from a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or parent to self-petition for immigration benefits without the knowledge or involvement of their abuser. This self-petition is filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

 

How Long Does VAWA Processing Time Really Take?

As of January 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reports that 80% of VAWA self-petitions (Form I-360) are processed in approximately 41.5 months. This timeline is not fixed and can vary depending on certain factors:

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Understanding the VAWA Case Timeline: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hello and welcome I’m attorney Hillary Walsh, and today I’ll guide you through the straightforward process of the timeline for a VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) case.

Step 1: Submission of Your VAWA Application

The first step in a VAWA case is to submit all required documents. This includes:

  • Form I-360
  • Your attorney’s G-28 form (if you have an attorney)
  • Your personal statement
  • Evidence of extreme cruelty or battery
  • Proof of the bona fides of your marriage (if applicable)

Ensure that all necessary evidence and passport photos are included. The good news is there’s no filing fee for VAWA cases.

For a free case review with an Immigration lawyer, call

(623) 742-5400

Step 2: Receipt Notice from USCIS

After you submit your VAWA application to USCIS, expect to receive a receipt notice within two to six weeks. This notice confirms that USCIS has received your application, similar to a receipt you get at a store. You can use the receipt number to track your case status online.

Step 3: Prima Facie Determination

Within four to six months, you’ll receive a prima facie determination notice. “Prima facie

Background Checks for VAWA Applications

A background check is necessary for all VAWA applicants. One of the threshold requirements to qualify for VAWA is being a person of good moral character. To prove that, you or your Virginia VAWA immigration lawyer can submit different types of evidence, but one required piece of evidence is a fingerprint background check, which has to be completed in every jurisdiction that you have lived in for more than six months during the past three years.

Background Check Process

The background check process will depend on where you are located since there is no national uniform standard for background checks. Sometimes, there are third party entities that are authorized by the state or locality to take your fingerprints and then send it to one common state database to have the background check completed. In some smaller jurisdictions, the background check can be completed at the police station. Your local police department can provide you with specific information on their procedures.

Individuals need to contact their local law enforcement agency to see what the agency’s specific process is and to learn what forms need to be completed