Many people wonder if there is a minimum length of marriage required to qualify for a VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) self-petition. The answer is no. U.S. immigration law does not require a specific duration of marriage. What matters is that you were legally married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) who abused you, and that the marriage was entered into in good faith.

You can file a VAWA self-petition while still married, regardless of how long you’ve been married. If your marriage has ended due to divorce, death of the spouse, or loss of the spouse’s immigration status, you may still be eligible, but you generally must file within two years of that event. This ensures that those leaving abusive relationships can still seek protection and legal status.

USCIS evaluates the authenticity of your marriage through evidence such as joint financial accounts, shared leases or mortgages, photographs, correspondence, and affidavits from friends or family. Even a short marriage can qualify, as long as you can show the marriage was genuine and abuse occurred.

While there’s no required length of marriage for VAWA, other immigration benefits, like applying for naturalization after receiving a Green Card, may have separate residency requirements.

If you or someone you know may be eligible for VAWA, call our office at 703-348-1663 to schedule a free case evaluation. 

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