Domestic Violence Immigration Lawyer Serving Bergen County, New Jersey
If you are an immigrant in Bergen County facing abuse, a domestic violence immigration lawyer from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can help you secure legal status and safety. Immigration relief for abuse victims is available through VAWA petitions and U visas.
Understanding Immigration Relief for Victims of Domestic Violence
Federal law provides specific protections for non-citizen victims of domestic violence, battery, and extreme cruelty. The primary avenues for immigration relief for abuse victims are the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petition and the U nonimmigrant status (U visa). These provisions recognize that victims should not be forced to remain in abusive relationships to maintain their immigration status. A domestic violence immigration lawyer Bergen County can evaluate your situation to determine the most appropriate path forward.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Key Forms of Relief: VAWA and U Visas
The Violence Against Women Act allows certain abused spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) to file a petition for themselves, without the abuser’s knowledge or cooperation. Successfully filing a VAWA petition can lead to a green card. Separately, the U visa is available to victims of certain qualifying crimes, including domestic violence, who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are useful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.
For official information, review the USCIS VAWA page and the Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women.
- Consult with an Attorney: Schedule a confidential consultation with a domestic violence immigration lawyer to discuss your specific circumstances and evidence.
- Gather Documentation: Collect evidence of the abuse (police reports, medical records, photographs, witness statements) and of your relationship to the abuser (marriage certificate, birth certificates, shared bills).
- Prepare the Petition: Your attorney will help you complete the correct forms (I-360 for VAWA or I-918 for U visa) and draft a detailed personal statement.
- File with USCIS: The petition is filed with the appropriate USCIS service center. For U visas, a law enforcement certification (Form I-918B) must also be submitted.
- Respond to Requests for Evidence (RFEs): USCIS may request additional information. Your lawyer will prepare a thorough response.
- Await Decision & Next Steps: If approved, you may be eligible for work authorization and can later apply for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident.
Potential Benefits and Protections
In Bergen County, successful immigration relief for abuse victims can provide work authorization, protection from deportation, and a path to permanent residency, offering a important lifeline to safety and stability.
| Relief Option | Eligibility | Key Benefit | Path to Green Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| VAWA Self-Petition (I-360) | Abused spouse/child/parent of USC or LPR | File independently of abuser | Yes, if visa numbers are available |
| U Nonimmigrant Status (U Visa) | Victim of qualifying crime who assists law enforcement | Work permit, potential for family to join | Yes, after 3 years in U status |
| Battered Spouse/Child Waiver (I-751) | Conditional resident abused by petitioning spouse | Remove conditions on green card without abuser | Preserves existing green card status |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Case
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with a background that provides a strategic advantage in contested legal matters. Our firm-wide experience spans over 120 combined years, and we have a documented record of favorable outcomes. We understand the significant sensitivity of cases involving domestic violence and approach each with the discretion and urgency it demands. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to clients regardless of their background or immigration status.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While every case is unique, our firm-wide practice has resulted in over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We actively represent clients in Bergen County immigration matters. Our approach involves meticulous case preparation, a clear understanding of both the legal and personal challenges you face, and assertive advocacy before USCIS and the immigration courts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Resources and Office Information
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Bergen County. We understand the local field, including the procedures at the USCIS Newark Field Office and the Newark Immigration Court. If you are seeking a domestic violence immigration lawyer Bergen County residents trust for compassionate and effective representation, we are here to help.
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) 334-7465
By appointment only.
We serve clients in Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Bergenfield, Garfield, Mahwah, Ramsey, Lyndhurst, and surrounding communities. 24/7 phone consultations are available at (888) 437-7747 — meetings are by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file a VAWA petition if I am divorced from my abuser?
Yes. You can file a VAWA petition if you were abused during the marriage and file within two years of the divorce, provided you can demonstrate a connection between the divorce and the abuse.
What evidence do I need for a VAWA petition?
It depends on your specific case, but generally includes proof of the abuser’s status (USC/LPR), proof of the relationship (marriage/birth certificates), evidence of good faith marriage, and extensive evidence of the battery or extreme cruelty (police reports, medical records, affidavits, photographs). A VAWA petition lawyer Bergen County can help you compile a compelling evidence package.
Does a U visa require the abuser to be convicted?
No. A conviction is not required for a U visa. You need to show you were a victim of a qualifying crime, suffered harm, and have been, are being, or are likely to be useful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution.
Can I work while my VAWA petition is pending?
Yes. Once your VAWA petition is pending, you can apply for work authorization by filing Form I-765. Approval times vary, but it grants you legal permission to work in the United States.
What is the difference between VAWA and a U visa?
The primary difference is eligibility. VAWA is for specific family members of U.S. citizens or green card holders. A U visa is for victims of a broader range of qualifying crimes who assist law enforcement. A domestic violence immigration lawyer Bergen County can assess which option fits your situation.
Related Legal Information
If you are dealing with related legal issues in Bergen County, you may also find our pages on Bergen County criminal defense and Bergen County family law useful. For more information on our statewide immigration practice, 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 guidance and does not constitute legal advice. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation regarding your specific case.
Bergen County questions and answers
Can a domestic-violence restraining order in Bergen County affect immigration status?
A final restraining order entered in Hackensack is a civil order, but the conduct behind it can have immigration consequences, and related criminal charges can affect admissibility or removability. Non-citizens on either side of a Bergen County domestic-violence case should have their immigration situation reviewed before the hearing. Mr. Sris and the firm's Of Counsel attorneys handle both the family-court matter and the immigration review.
Does a victim of domestic violence have immigration options in New Jersey?
Federal law provides paths for certain victims of abuse by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or parent, allowing them to seek status without the abuser's participation. Eligibility depends on the relationship, the abuse and the applicant's history. The firm evaluates these options alongside the Bergen County restraining-order case so the family-court record supports the immigration filing.
Should I agree to a civil restraints agreement if I am not a citizen?
Civil restraints are sometimes offered in Hackensack to resolve a restraining-order case by consent without a finding of domestic violence. For a non-citizen, the terms and any admissions in the agreement need careful review because they can be read by immigration authorities later. The firm reviews proposed civil restraints with the immigration consequences in mind before any client signs.
Your case in Bergen County, New Jersey
Divorce, custody, support and domestic-violence matters are heard in the Family Part of the Chancery 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 N.J.S.A. 2A:34-2 (grounds for divorce) and N.J.S.A. 9:2-4 (custody). 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 · Domestic Violence Immigration Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Domestic Violence Immigration Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.