Will USCIS Begin Conducting Interviews for Certain VAWA Self-Petitioners?
Yes, as of December 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has begun conducting in-person interviews for certain VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) self-petitioners who have both a pending Form I-360 (self-petition) and Form I-485 (adjustment of status).
Who is subject to an interview?
- VAWA self-petitioners with both I‑360 and I‑485 pending
These applicants may be selected for an in-person interview at their local USCIS field office - Standalone I‑360 filers
No interviews are currently required for those filing only the I‑360 petition
Why are interviews now being introduced?
- An increased volume of VAWA filings
- A rise in fraud-related cases in states like New York, Massachusetts, and Maryland
- USCIS aims to strengthen program integrity, prevent fraud, and ensure eligibility standards are met
What to expect at the interview
- Conducted in a trauma-informed and victim-sensitive manner
- Interviews will address both your VAWA eligibility (I‑360) and your adjustment of status (I‑485)
- USCIS will mail interview notices to your safe address and your legal representative, if applicable
If selected for an interview
- Must attend – failing to show up can lead to denial
- Legal counsel is permitted to accompany you
- Your case will typically return to the HART Service Center for final adjudication after the interview
But not everyone will be interviewed
- USCIS will continue to process most VAWA cases without interviews
- Selection isn’t based on suspicion of wrongdoing — it’s a random or targeted process to combat fraud
- Interview selection does not imply any deficiency in your case
Bottom Line
- Yes, USCIS is now conducting interviews for certain VAWA self‑petitioners—but only those with both I‑360 and I‑485 pending.
- Applicants with standalone I‑360s are not required to interview.
- Interviews are aimed at ensuring integrity, not targeting genuine applicants.
- If you receive a notice, do not miss it—attend with preparation and, if possible, legal representation.
