New Interview Process for Certain I-360 VAWA Petitioners
In November of 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it would implement a new interview requirement for certain Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioners who have both a pending I-360 and I-485 application.
What are the Key Changes?
- Interviews will target specific VAWA self-petitioners
- Not all self-petitioners will be interviewed
- Individuals with stand-alone I-360 petitions will not be interviewed
- Notices will be mailed in November 2024
- Interviews will occur at local USCIS Field Offices
- Self-petitioners must appear in person
- Interviewing USCIS officers will either appear remotely or in person
Important Considerations?
- Legal representatives may accompany applicants
- Failure to attend may result in petition denial
- Petitioners who need to reschedule should follow the instructions on the Notice
- Interviews will cover both I-360 and I-485 eligibility
- Petitioners should be prepared to discuss anything in their A-file with USCIS
- Officers will use a trauma-informed approach
Why did USCIS make this Change to the Interview Process?
- Response to increased VAWA filing volumes
- Attempt to address and combat VAWA fraud
- Enhance the effectiveness and integrity of the VAWA program
USCIS emphasizes that interview selection does not indicate a negative predisposition toward the case and does not change existing eligibility requirements. Thus, petitioners who receive I-360 Interview Notices are not necessarily more or less likely to get their petitions denied than petitioners who are not interviewed.
The HART Service Center will continue to maintain jurisdiction over VAWA I-360 petitions and will adjudicate self-petitions after reviewing interview results.
