Does VAWA Need a Sponsor?

No — VAWA does not need a sponsor.

That’s one of the main benefits of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petition. Unlike family-based green card cases, where a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident must sponsor the immigrant, under VAWA:

• You file for yourself (a “self-petition”) using Form I-360.
• You do not need the abusive spouse, parent, or child to sign or participate.
• You can apply for a work permit (EAD) and eventually a green card on your own once your petition is approved.

This protects victims because it removes the abuser’s control over their immigration status.