VAWA Lawyer Bergen County — Secure Your Immigration Status and Safety
If you are an abused spouse in Bergen County, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provides a path to a green card without relying on your abuser. A VAWA lawyer Bergen County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can guide you through the sensitive self-petition process.
Understanding VAWA Self-Petition Relief
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) allows certain abused spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) to file an immigration petition on their own behalf. This is known as a VAWA self-petition. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. § 1154(a)(1)(A)(iii)), you can seek lawful status without your abuser’s knowledge or cooperation, a critical protection for victims.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Official Immigration Resources
For the official law, review the USCIS VAWA self-petition page. The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) oversees immigration courts where related matters may be heard.
The VAWA Process in Bergen County, NJ
Filing a VAWA self-petition is a confidential process designed to protect you. For Bergen County residents, the petition is filed with the USCIS Vermont Service Center, not your local Newark office, to enhance privacy. An experienced abused spouse immigration relief lawyer Bergen County understands that proving the abuse and the qualifying relationship is the core of your case. Documentation is key, but it must be gathered safely.
- Consult confidentially with a VAWA attorney. Discuss your situation safely to determine if you qualify.
- Gather evidence of abuse and relationship. This includes police reports, medical records, photos, affidavits from witnesses, and proof of your marital relationship.
- Prepare and file Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant. Your attorney will prepare the petition packet, including your personal declaration and all supporting evidence.
- Respond to any Requests for Evidence (RFE). USCIS may ask for additional information, which your lawyer will handle.
- Upon approval, apply for adjustment of status. If you are in the U.S. and eligible, you can file for a green card (Form I-485).
Why Choose Our Bergen County Immigration Team
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to contested cases like VAWA self-petitions. We understand the significant courage it takes to come forward. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We handle these sensitive matters with the discretion and urgency they demand.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Legal Support for Immigrant Survivors in Bergen County
Our firm actively represents clients in Bergen County. We have successfully guided numerous survivors through the VAWA process, helping them secure safety and stability. Each case is unique, but our focused approach on thorough evidence preparation and understanding of USCIS adjudication trends provides a strong foundation.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our New Jersey Immigration Lawyers
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 200-8300
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients across Bergen County, including Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Bergenfield, Garfield, Mahwah, Ramsey, and Lyndhurst. We offer 24/7 phone consultations. Meetings are by appointment only.
VAWA Self-Petition FAQs for Bergen County Residents
Can I file a VAWA petition if I am divorced from my abuser?
Yes. You can file a VAWA self-petition if you were abused during the marriage and file within two years of the divorce. The legal termination of the marriage does not automatically disqualify you from seeking this immigration relief.
Does my abuser find out I filed a VAWA self-petition?
No. USCIS policies prohibit contacting the abuser. The VAWA process is designed to be confidential. Notifications are sent only to you and your attorney, protecting your safety throughout the process.
What evidence do I need for a VAWA case?
You need evidence of three main things: 1) The abuser’s status as a U.S. citizen or LPR, 2) A qualifying relationship (spouse, child, parent), and 3) The battery or extreme cruelty you suffered. This can include police reports, restraining orders, medical records, psychological evaluations, affidavits, and photos.
Can I work while my VAWA petition is pending?
Yes, once your Form I-360 is filed, you can apply for work authorization by filing Form I-765. Approval of this application grants you an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), allowing you to work legally in the United States while your case is processed.
What happens after my VAWA petition is approved?
After I-360 approval, you become eligible to apply for a green card (lawful permanent residence). If you are in the U.S. and meet other requirements, you can file Form I-485 to adjust your status. If you are outside the U.S., you will go through consular processing.
Related Legal Help in Bergen County
If you are dealing with other legal challenges, our firm provides full representation. You may also need a criminal defense lawyer in Bergen County or a family law attorney in Bergen County. For all New Jersey immigration matters, visit our New Jersey immigration lawyer hub page.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Immigration laws and policies change frequently. The information on this page is for general understanding and should not be taken as legal advice for your specific case. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current, confidential guidance regarding your VAWA self-petition.
Your case in Bergen County, New Jersey
Immigration matters are federal: removal cases for New Jersey residents are heard at the Newark Immigration Court and applications are decided by USCIS. County criminal charges that can affect immigration status are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Bergen County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage (2nd Vicinage), 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601, telephone (201) 527-2700, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is the federal Immigration and Nationality Act. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Bergen County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Bergen County NJ lawyers directory · VAWA Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · VAWA Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.