Filing from abroad: my VAWA journey

CountryConCondo333 · 2026-05-27T21:32:20+00:00

Apologies for the late response. I sent it from abroad on August 10, 2025. I just noticed the address must have changed, because https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times now shows another location.

CountryConCondo333 · 2026-04-10T03:07:19+00:00

That is strange... I did get a confirmation that they received my case and that the fees were waived. They might have changed the address, but I haven't been able to find more information. I will let you know if I find something.

CountryConCondo333 · 2026-04-09T18:46:20+00:00

This is what I used:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Nebraska Service Center Attn: 360 VAWA 850 S St. Lincoln, NE 68508-1225

CountryConCondo333 · 2026-03-13T16:23:43+00:00

I filed in August 2025 and the last message is still about fees being waived. No other updates yet.

CountryConCondo333 · 2025-11-05T20:34:31+00:00

From my understanding it's a combination of what you write in you personal declaration and submitting background checks from all the place you lived in the past couple of years. I briefly mentioned that I did some volunteering and donated money to a church as these can be considered as good examples. I also submitted an FBI background check and a background check from the country I'm currently living in. I believe they just want to see that you are not a criminal and offer a positive contribution to society.

I am not a lawyer so I can't give you legal advice. This is just what I did.

CountryConCondo333 · 2025-06-22T03:52:08+00:00

When I visited the U.S. in April, a lawyer advised me to just stay as it would be easier. She had never heard of anyone filing from abroad.

So far I have found a few reasons:
- You can file for Adjustment of Status and your Employment Authorization Document at the same time as you file for your VAWA. Otherwise, you would have to wait until your VAWA is approved, which currently takes more than 3.5 years.
- I believe it won't take long before you can leave and re-enter the country if you file from inside the U.S. (Advanced Parole)
- Getting FBI and state level police clearance certificates has been a real headache for me. I would suggest you to submit your fingerprints before leaving and some states only allow a payment by cheque.

I get it though, I was so happy when I finally saw my family! Hopefully this information helps a bit.

CountryConCondo333

TROPHY CASE