Why Are VAWA Cases Taking So Long?

VAWA cases are moving much slower than they used to. In 2023, an average case took around two and a half years to get an initial decision. Now, it’s closer to four years.

There’s no single reason for the slowdown. USCIS is dealing with a huge backlog, more applications, too few trained officers, stricter reviews, and extra steps that are adding even more time to the process.

Delay #1: The Bottleneck

One of the biggest problems is that there simply aren’t enough trained officers to handle all the cases. Most VAWA petitions go through one specialized USCIS unit, and because these cases require special training, they can’t just be handed to any available officer.

Only a few dozen officers are handling VAWA cases nationwide, while more than 200,000 cases are waiting for decisions. With new applications coming in every day, there are simply far more cases than officers available to process them.

Delay #2: Too Many Cases

VAWA filings have also skyrocketed. Between 2020 and 2024, filings increased by about 360%, while the number of officers handling them barely changed.

USCIS has also raised concerns that some applications may not qualify or could involve fraud. Because of that, officers are looking more closely at everyone’s cases. So even if your case is legitimate and well-documented, you may still face more scrutiny and a longer wait.

Delay #3: More Hoops to Jump Through

USCIS is also doing more checking than it used to. Officers may look back years into your social media, rerun your fingerprints, and compare your application against more government records.

Even simple steps are taking longer. Receipt notices that used to take a week or two can now take months in some cases. All these extra checks add more time to an already slow process.

Delay #4: The RFE Explosion

USCIS is also sending out more Requests for Evidence, or RFEs. An RFE basically means USCIS wants more proof before deciding your case.

These used to be more common with weaker cases, but now even strong, well-documented cases are getting them. Officers may question an inconsistency, ask for more evidence to back something up, or even request documents that may not actually be required.

An RFE can add six months or more to your wait. But getting one doesn’t necessarily mean your case is weak or that you’ll be denied. Sometimes, USCIS simply wants more information before making a decision.

Why You Should Still Apply!

A four-year wait can make you wonder if filing is even worth it. But waiting won’t make the process any faster. If the backlog keeps growing, putting off your application could just mean joining an even longer line later.

Filing also puts a pending VAWA case on record. Depending on your situation, that can be important if you’re facing detention or removal proceedings and may give your immigration attorney another argument to use on your behalf.

VAWA also isn’t going away. It’s federal law, and USCIS is still accepting and processing these cases. The process may be slower and tougher right now, but the long wait alone isn’t a reason to give up on a case you may qualify for.

Get Help With Your VAWA Case

My name is Moumita Rahman and I have been a practicing immigration lawyer for the past 16 years, my office has successfully filed many VAWa applications across the country, and we know exactly what USCIS was looking for. If you would like my help on your VAWA case, give us a call at (212) 248-7907.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every immigration case is different. Speak with an experienced immigration attorney before making decisions about your case.