Humanitarian · document checklist
VAWA I-360 document checklist
VAWA self-petitions are adjudicated under the any credible evidence standard, which widens what counts as proof but does not reduce the need for structure. These packets carry acute confidentiality obligations under 8 USC 1367 and often contain highly sensitive medical and law enforcement records, making disciplined redaction and access control a practical necessity rather than a nice-to-have.
Governing standard
Any credible evidence standard
8 CFR 204.2(c); INA 204(a)(1)(A)(iii)
Top RFE trigger: Declaration chronology conflicting with supporting record dates
- Documents listed
- 10
- Always required
- 7
- Median exhibit pages
- 160
- Initial RFE rate
- 19.5%
The checklist
Grouped by the purpose each document serves.
Documents marked as always required belong in every filing of this type. The rest apply where the fact pattern calls for them.
Relationship and status
3 required of 3
Marriage certificate
With certified translation if required
Evidence of the abuser's US citizenship or LPR status
Any credible evidence accepted
Self-petitioner identity documents
Passport or birth certificate with translation
Abuse evidence
1 required of 4
Personal declaration
Detailed chronological account, signed
Police and court recordswhere applicable
Reports, protective orders, dispositions
Medical and counselling recordswhere applicable
Redacted for third-party identifiers
Affidavits from witnesseswhere applicable
Shelter staff, counsellors, family, friends
Residence and character
3 required of 3
Shared residence evidence
Lease, utilities, mail, affidavits
Police clearance letters
Every jurisdiction lived in for six months or more
Form I-360 and G-28
Cross-checked against the declaration chronology
This page prints cleanly — use it as a client-facing document request list.
Failure modes
What draws a request on a VAWA I-360.
Having every document on the list is necessary and not sufficient. These are the structural problems that produce requests even when the evidence is present.
Full RFE trends hub- Declaration chronology conflicting with the dates on supporting records
- Missing police clearance for a jurisdiction named in the address history
- Abuser status evidence that is inferential without a supporting affidavit
- Unredacted third-party identifiers in medical exhibits
Also humanitarian
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