Visa Lawyer Blog: December 5, 2024: Certain VAWA self-petitioners now require in-person interviews.
The U.S. Self-petitioners that have filed a stand-alone I-360 will not be interviewed. Self-petitioners who have filed a stand-alone I-360 will not be interviewed.
USCIS expects to continue to adjudicate the majority of VAWA cases without the need for an interview.
Why has this change been made?
An increase in the volume of immigration petitions filed under the VAWA program, along with a surge in VAWA-related fraud reported in the states of New York, Massachusetts, and Maryland has led to this policy change.
While no plans are currently being made to expand interviews to a broader pool of VAWA self-petitioners, the incoming Trump administration may consider this in the future.
How will I know if I am required to attend an in-person interview?
VAWA self-petitioners who are required to attend an interview, will receive an interview notice by mail at the safe address they have provided. Self-petitioners who do not attend their scheduled interview could have their petition denied. Please ensure that you follow the rescheduling instructions on your interview notice if you cannot attend on the scheduled date and time.
Conclusion
If you have a pending I-360 and I-485 application, be aware that you may be selected for an in-person interview. Once the President elect takes office on January 20th it is likely that his administration will require in-person interviews for all green card applications, including employment-based applicants and VAWA self-petitioners.
We will continue to monitor any upcoming policy changes and report them on our blog.
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