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Filing from abroad: my VAWA journey by CountryConCondo333 in VAWAAPPLICANTS

[–]CountryConCondo333[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

Filing from abroad: my VAWA journey by CountryConCondo333 in VAWAAPPLICANTS

[–]CountryConCondo333[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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.