Under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), you may self-petition for lawful immigration status if you are a spouse or child of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who has suffered battery or extreme cruelty. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 45 documented results in Madison County, with a favorable outcome in all reported instances. The governing statute is 8 U.S.C. § 1154(a)(1)(A)(iii)-(iv).
VAWA Self Petition Lawyer in Madison County, New York
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) allows certain non-citizen spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents to file a self-petition for lawful immigration status without the abuser’s knowledge or consent. Under 8 U.S.C. § 1154(a)(1)(A)(iii)-(iv), you must demonstrate that you have been subjected to battery or extreme cruelty by a qualifying relative, that you reside or have resided with the abuser, and that you entered the marriage in good faith. The self-petition is filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) using Form I-360. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | Madison County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
For official statutory text, consult the following government sources:
In Madison County, New York, immigration cases are processed through the USCIS Vermont Service Center or the New York City Field Office, depending on your ZIP code. We have observed that USCIS officers in the New York district often scrutinize VAWA self-petitions for inconsistencies in the evidence of battery or extreme cruelty. A well-documented affidavit and supporting police reports or medical records are critical to a successful petition.
- Gather all evidence of abuse, including police reports, medical records, and affidavits from witnesses.
- Complete USCIS Form I-360 with detailed information about your relationship to the abuser and the abuse you suffered.
- Submit the petition to the USCIS Vermont Service Center or file online through your USCIS account.
- Attend your biometrics appointment at a local Application Support Center.
- Respond promptly to any Requests for Evidence (RFEs) from USCIS.
- If approved, file Form I-485 to adjust status to lawful permanent resident.
In Madison County, New York, a VAWA self-petition is a federal immigration benefit, not a criminal charge. However, filing a fraudulent petition can result in severe immigration consequences, including removal proceedings and permanent bars to relief.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fraudulent VAWA Self-Petition | Federal Immigration Violation | Up to 5 years (if prosecuted criminally) | Up to $250,000 (if prosecuted criminally) | N/A | Permanent bar from U.S. immigration benefits; removal proceedings |
| Misrepresentation on Form I-360 | Federal Immigration Violation | Up to 5 years (if prosecuted criminally) | Up to $250,000 (if prosecuted criminally) | N/A | Inadmissibility under INA § 212(a)(6)(C); permanent bar |
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%. The firm operates under the tagline “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflecting its commitment to providing accessible, high-quality legal representation to clients in Madison County and beyond. Mr. Sris personally handles complex immigration matters, including VAWA self-petitions, and has been consulted by Indian Consulate officials in Washington, D.C. on U.S. legal matters.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 45 documented results in Madison County: 1 dismissed or not guilty, 44 reduced or amended — a favorable-outcome rate of 100% in all reported instances. Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Our location in Buffalo, NY is approximately 150 miles from Madison County Supreme Court, with access via I-90 (NYS Thruway) and I-81. We serve as a VAWA self-petition lawyer near Madison County. Serving the communities of Wampsville, Oneida, Canastota, Cazenovia, Hamilton, Chittenango, Morrisville, Earlville, and Brookfield. 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 Madison County
Where is the immigration court for Madison County, New York?
Removal proceedings for Madison County residents are heard at the New York Immigration Court, 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 handles immigration for Madison County residents. 45 total documented case results across all practice areas (favorable outcome in all reported instances).
Removal proceedings for Madison County residents are heard at the New York Immigration Court, 26 Federal Plaza, Manhattan, or the Varick Street Immigration Court.
What immigration services are available in Madison County (Central NY), NY?
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles green cards, family petitions, naturalization, deportation defense, and work visas for clients in Madison County (Central NY). Consultation by appointment — (888) 437-7747.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles green cards, family petitions, naturalization, deportation defense, and work visas for clients in Madison County (Central NY).
How do I apply for a green card in Madison County (Central NY)?
Green card applications in Madison County (Central NY) involve USCIS filing, biometrics, and interviews. Eligibility depends on family, employment, or asylum status. SRIS, P.C. guides the full process — (888) 437-7747.
Green card applications in Madison County (Central NY) involve USCIS filing, biometrics, and interviews.
What happens during a deportation hearing in NY?
Deportation hearings in NY immigration court allow you to present relief options including cancellation of removal, asylum, or adjustment of status. SRIS, P.C. — (888) 437-7747 — by appointment.
Deportation hearings in NY immigration court allow you to present relief options including cancellation of removal, asylum, or adjustment of status.
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Page last updated: 2026-04-28. Legal statutes and procedures may change. Consult an attorney for current advice.