What Happens if Your VAWA Green Card Application Has Been Approved?
If you are an immigrant who is being abused by your U.S. citizen spouse, children, parents, or other applicable family members, then you may feel like you have nowhere to turn and that you are stuck in a toxic and unsafe situation. However, this may not be the case. The United States recognizes that immigrants living with U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents are not immune from abuse. Since women are a vulnerable group to experience abuse, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is a means for certain immigrants who have been abused to go through the process of permanent U.S. residence without the abusive family member finding out.
For these individuals who qualify, an approved VAWA green card application can mean the start of a whole new life and safety on the horizon. Should you apply for a VAWA Green Card, then it is important to stay up to date on its status. When your case status says “Case Approved,” then you have reached your goal. Your VAWA green card application has been approved, and now you will be able to get a green card from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
If you have questions about a VAWA green card or other means by which to obtain a green card in the United States, you are welcome to reach out and meet with an experienced Atlanta immigration attorney at Shirazi Immigration Law Inc.
Your VAWA Application Has Been Approved. Now What?
If you see your case status listed as “Case Approved,” then you are in good standing, and you will receive a green card from USCIS, which will be mailed to you. You can also expect to receive Form I-797, which will indicate your case approval.
It is important to note that “Case Approval” is NOT the same thing as “Case Received.” “Case Received” status happens at the beginning of the VAWA application process, while “Case Approved” may come at the end. “Case Received” simply means that USCIS has obtained and accepted your application. By contrast, “Case Approved” means that you have been successful with your application and that you will be given a green card.
When your VAWA green card is approved, you will receive a notification through the mail. Then, you can expect to receive your green card. The entire process can take up to 60 days before you finally receive and have your green card in your hands.
When applying for your VAWA green card, remember that any relocations during your application being processed will require you to update USCIS with a new address. This should be done quickly so there is no delay or issue with the processing of your application or receiving critical communications from USCIS.
Speak to an Immigration Attorney in Atlanta Today
Immigrants may want to live in the United States with loved ones, but when they are brought over and abused, they may feel they have no recourse. This may not be the case, and in certain situations, a VAWA green card could be an appropriate remedy to a perilous situation.
For a consultation to discuss your needs and case, please call an Atlanta, GA, immigration lawyer at Shirazi Immigration Law Inc., today at 404-523-3611.
Source:
uscis.gov/forms/filing-guidance/form-i-797-types-and-functions
