Humanitarian classification
VAWA I-360 Self-Petition
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)
- Denial rate after RFE
- 13.7%
- Median processing
- 312 days
- Form
- I-360
- Initial RFE rate
- 19.5%
- Median exhibit pages
- 160
- Manual assembly
- 10 hrs
- On Docket Build
- 26 min
Statutory criteria
What the record has to establish.
Each element below is a mapped criterion in the Docket Build criteria pack, with its citation and the evidence types that satisfy it.
Qualifying relationship
204.2(c)(1)(i)(A)
- Marriage certificate
- Abuser's status evidence
Battery or extreme cruelty
(c)(1)(i)(E)
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Counselling records
- Protective orders
- Personal declaration
Residence with the abuser
(c)(1)(i)(D)
- Lease
- Utility records
- Affidavits
Good moral character
(c)(1)(i)(F)
- Police clearances for every jurisdiction of residence
- Affidavits
Good faith marriage
(c)(1)(i)(H)
- Relationship evidence
- Joint records where they exist
Failure modes
What actually draws a request on a VAWA I-360.
Compiled from the request language our customers record on their own matters and from published AAO decisions in this classification.
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
Document checklist
What a complete filing carries.
Full printable checklist →Relationship and status
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
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
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
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