What Is the Approval Rate for VAWA?
The approval rate for VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) self-petitions varies depending on the relationship category of the applicant, but overall, it is relatively strong compared to many other immigration filings.
Overall Approval Trends
- Historically, VAWA petitions have averaged about a 70–75% approval rate.
- USCIS data shows that approval is mandatory if all eligibility requirements are met—meaning the key factor is the strength of the evidence provided.
Recent Approval Rates (USCIS FY 2021 data)
- Spouses of abusers: ~70% approval
- Children of abusive parents: ~42% approval
- Parents of abusive children: ~23% approval
Key Point
- The highest approval rates are for abused spouses, as their cases are typically better documented.
- Children and parents face more challenges because evidence of abuse is harder to gather, leading to lower approval percentages.
Also, read >> How Long Does a VAWA Petition Take?
