Many people stay because they fear losing their immigration status. US law has ways for some victims of abuse to apply on their own.
This is general information, not legal advice. Each service was checked against its own website on 7 November 2026. Rules change: read what the service itself says before you decide.
Who can help
VAWA self-petition (USCIS)
Lets some abused family members of U.S. citizens or green card holders apply for immigration status on their own, without the abuser.
Who it is for Abused spouses and children of U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and abused parents of adult U.S. citizens (21 or older).
First step File Form I-360 with USCIS. USCIS says there is no fee for a VAWA self-petitioner.
Good to know The abuser does not need to know or take part. Talk to an immigration lawyer or accredited representative before you file.
U visa for crime victims (USCIS)
Immigration status for victims of certain crimes, including domestic violence, who help or are willing to help law enforcement.
Who it is for Victims of a qualifying crime, such as domestic violence, who suffered mental or physical abuse and are helpful to law enforcement.
First step Get a certification (Form I-918 Supplement B) signed by a certifying agency, such as law enforcement, then file Form I-918 with USCIS.
Good to know You can give USCIS a safe mailing address where you do not live. There is a cap, so there may be a waiting list. Get legal advice first.
T visa for trafficking victims (USCIS)
Immigration status for victims of human trafficking, which means being forced, tricked or coerced into work or sex.
Who it is for Victims of a severe form of human trafficking, and some of their family members.
First step File Form I-914 with USCIS, including a personal statement about the trafficking.
Good to know You can give USCIS a safe mailing address where you do not live. Get legal advice before you apply.
Find real immigration legal help (USCIS)
USCIS's guide to finding a licensed attorney or DOJ-accredited representative, including free or low-cost providers, and avoiding scams.
Who it is for Anyone who needs help with an immigration case, including survivors applying under VAWA or for a U or T visa.
First step Use the U.S. Department of Justice list of free or low-cost immigration legal services linked on the page.
Good to know Watch for scams: in the U.S., a notary public (notario) is not a lawyer and cannot represent you.
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Other topics
- Money to live on in the USMoney help in the US when you leave an abusive partner: public benefits, help finding benefits and crime victim compensation.
- A safe place to live in the USSomewhere safe to stay in the US when you leave violence: shelters, your housing rights in federally assisted housing, and keeping your address private.
- Free legal help in the USFree legal help in the US when you live with domestic violence: legal aid finders and plain-language legal information by state.
- Protection orders and the police in the USProtection orders in the US, reporting to the police, and support for victims of crime.
- Children and custody in the USHelp for children and parents in the US after domestic violence: custody information and child abuse help.
- Health care and help after sexual assault in the USHealth care in the US after abuse or sexual assault: sexual assault exams, health centers and support lines.
- Help for particular groups in the USHelp in the US for men, LGBTQ+ people, older people, Native communities, Deaf people and teens, from services that know your situation.