Sept. 12 – 26, 2024 | 2-3:30 p.m. ET | CA MCLE: 1.5 per webinar

This three-week webinar series will provide an introduction to self-petitioning under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and adjustment of status for approved self-petitioners. The presenters will cover the basic eligibility requirements for self-petitioning for individuals who have been subjected to battery or extreme cruelty by certain U.S. citizen (USC) or lawful permanent resident (LPR) family members. Participants will learn about how to prepare a successful self-petition, including strategies for developing the client's declaration and gathering required evidence.

NOTE: Access to recordings of the webinars is included with your purchase of the three-part webinar series. Your access will be available until October 27.  

Webinar One: Eligibility to File a VAWA Self-Petition

Sept. 12 | 2-3:30 p.m. ET | CA MCLE 1.5

In week one, participants will focus on the eligibility requirements for filing a VAWA self-petition based on battery or extreme cruelty by a USC or LPR spouse or parent, or by a USC adult son or daughter. The presenters will also discuss eligibility for derivatives and age-out protections.

Webinar Two: Best Practices in Preparing a Self-Petition and Responding to Problems Along the Way

Sept. 19 | 2-3:30 p.m. ET | CA MCLE 1.5

In week two, we will examine how to put together a successful self-petition, including initial screening for eligibility, developing the client's declaration, creating a road map style cover letter, gathering evidence, obtaining police clearance letters, and facing challenges in providing proof of the abuser's status. The presenters will also discuss common requests for evidence, options for obtaining employment authorization, and approvals and denials. 

Webinar Three: Applying for Permanent Residence

Sept. 26 | 2-3:30 p.m. ET | CA MCLE 1.5

In week three, we will focus on obtaining lawful permanent resident status. The presenters will discuss eligibility for adjustment of status, including when an approved self-petitioner is eligible to apply as an immediate relative or as a preference immigrant based on the Department of State Visa Bulletin. The presenters will also discuss how age-out protections apply at the adjustment of status stage. In addition, students will learn about common grounds of inadmissibility and preparing waivers of inadmissibility.