If you are a victim of abuse by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, you may file a VAWA self-petition under 8 U.S.C. § 1154(a)(1)(A)(iii)-(iv) without your abuser’s knowledge. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive immigration law experience in Tompkins County, New York, and can guide you through the process.
VAWA Self Petition Lawyer Tompkins County, New York
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) allows certain abused spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents to file a self-petition for lawful permanent residence without the abuser’s knowledge or consent. Under 8 U.S.C. § 1154(a)(1)(A)(iii)-(iv), you must demonstrate that you entered the marriage in good faith, that you or your child suffered battery or extreme cruelty, and that you reside in the United States. The petition is filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Last verified: April 2026 | Tompkins County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
For official statutory text and procedural guidance, consult the following government resources:
In our experience representing clients in Tompkins County, USCIS adjudicators at the Vermont Service Center closely scrutinize evidence of good-faith marriage and battery or extreme cruelty. We have observed that thorough documentation, including police reports, medical records, and affidavits from witnesses, significantly strengthens a VAWA self-petition.
- Gather all evidence of the qualifying relationship, such as marriage certificates, joint bank accounts, and lease agreements.
- Document the abuse with police reports, protective orders, medical records, and photographs.
- Obtain affidavits from friends, family, or counselors who witnessed the abuse.
- Complete Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, with all required supporting documents.
- File the petition with the USCIS Vermont Service Center, including the filing fee or a fee waiver request.
- Monitor your case online and respond promptly to any RFEs from USCIS.
In Tompkins County, New York, a VAWA self-petition is a federal immigration benefit, not a criminal penalty. The primary consequence of an approved petition is eligibility for lawful permanent residence. A denied petition may result in removal proceedings.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VAWA Self-Petition Denial | N/A (Immigration Benefit) | N/A | N/A | N/A | Potential removal proceedings; loss of work authorization |
| Fraudulent Marriage (if alleged) | Federal Crime | Up to 5 years | Up to $250,000 | N/A | Deportation; permanent bar from U.S. immigration benefits |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%.
Mr. Sris, former prosecutor, founded Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997. He has extensive experience in immigration law, including VAWA self-petitions, and has handled 4,739+ firm-wide documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ. The firm is committed to providing compassionate and effective representation for abuse survivors.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive immigration law experience in Tompkins County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%.
Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Our location in Buffalo, New York is approximately 150 miles from Tompkins County Supreme Court in Ithaca, with access via I-90 (NYS Thruway) and Route 13.
VAWA self-petition lawyer near Tompkins County.
Serving the communities of Ithaca, Dryden, Lansing, Trumansburg, Groton, Newfield, Caroline, Enfield.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Buffalo, NY
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142, Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: (838) 292-0003 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About VAWA Self-Petitions in Tompkins County
Where is the immigration court for Tompkins County, New York?
Removal proceedings for Tompkins County residents are heard at the New York Immigration Court at 26 Federal Plaza, Manhattan, or the Varick Street Immigration Court. Affirmative applications are processed by the USCIS NYC Field Office at 26 Federal Plaza. New York has strong sanctuary policies limiting cooperation with ICE enforcement. SRIS, P.C. handles immigration matters for Tompkins County residents.
Removal proceedings are heard at the New York Immigration Court at 26 Federal Plaza, Manhattan.
How does a New York lawyer defend against VAWA immigration charges?
Defense strategies for VAWA immigration in New York may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under 8 U.S.C. § 1154(a)(1)(A)(iii)-(iv) to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing VAWA immigration charges in New York?
If facing VAWA immigration charges in New York, contact an immigration attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under New York law require prompt action.
How does a New York lawyer defend against immediate relative petition charges?
Defense strategies for immediate relative petition in New York may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under the Immigration and Nationality Act to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing immediate relative petition charges in New York?
If facing immediate relative petition charges in New York, contact an immigration attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under New York law require prompt action.
Title: VAWA Self Petition Lawyer Tompkins County, NY | SRIS, P.C.
Meta Description: VAWA Self Petition Lawyer Tompkins County, New York. 8 U.S.C. § 1154(a)(1)(A)(iii)-(iv). SRIS, P.C. has extensive immigration law experience. Call (888) 437-7747 for consultation. By appointment only.
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