USCIS recently announced an upcoming change to the Violence Against Women (VAWA) program.
Starting in December 2024, USCIS will begin conducting interviews for certain VAWA self-petitioners who have both an I-360 and an I-485 pending. USCIS has clarified that not all VAWA self-petitioners will be interviewed and individuals with stand-alone I-360s will not be interviewed at this time. USCIS will continue to adjudicate large portions of its I-360 workload without an interview. Interviews will be conducted at the USCIS Field Office with jurisdiction over the self-petitioner’s residence as listed on Forms I-360 & I-485, and the VAWA self-petitioner must appear in person for the scheduled interview.

USCIS has stated that officers will receive specialized training grounded in a victim-centered approach and that interviews will be conducted in a trauma-informed manner, addressing both I-360 and I-485 eligibility. Per USCIS, this change to include interviews does not alter eligibility requirements or evidentiary standards required by the regulations, and selection for an interview is not necessarily negative or indicative of a particular case outcome.

As for why some VAWA self-petitions will now receive an interview, USCIS decided to begin conducting these interviews in response to a significant increase in filings in recent years and several recent criminal proceedings regarding VAWA fraud, including three large-scale investigations in NY, MA, and MD. USCIS will also begin a larger public awareness campaign regarding VAWA fraud.

As we head into a new presidential administration, it is expected that adjustment cases of all types, including employment, may require an in-person interview. CYA will continue to monitor developments relating to the new administration and possible changes to immigration law and policy.