Rebirth

Just 2 days after my Vawa based I-485 interview, I received an email confirming the approval of my I-485. I am now waiting for the official welcome letter aswell as production and shipment of my Permanent Resident Card.
Praise the lord! Thank you God!
Special thanks to Sandranj for being a such an amazing, intelligent, extremely knowledgeable, helpful and caring person. Thank you for helping us and asking nothing in return, you deserve all the blessings coming your way! I will be tuning into your radio show!
Thank you Hypnos for being so knowledgeable.
Thank you very much to everyone on this forum, I wish you guys nothing but success.
Please feel free to ask me anything, I will do my best to help and answer your questions.

Wow Sandra... you wear many hats.. **kudos**
I listened to your session on the radio and you're great and encouraging on air. Keep up the good work. Anyone can be inspired from your sermon today.

VJ moderation if you think my post is not appropriate here, please move to another thread ok.
Many people here know that I am an attorney and a Christian Missionary as well. I want to invite you to listen to my program"New Beginning" Saturday at 4 pm(Eastern Time) . Two pastors and I registered the online Radio "Living Water Gospel Radio".
Unfortunately, in Brazil, they made a mistake when registering the radio name. It supposed to be "Living Water Gospel Radio" they misspelled the word Living and registered "linving" . It will cost a fortune and time-consuming to fix it the radio name, because of this the radio will remain with this name for now. Just my program will be in English, for one hour, each 15 days. I will have my program in Portuguese every Saturday at 3 pm as well, but I will start my program in Portuguese within 10 days.
All programs are 100% about preaching the Gospel and playing Gospel songs. There is a chat room and everyone is invited to enter into the radio chatroom, but please do not ask me any question about Immigration using the chat room, as I mentioned before our radio is a Gospel Radio and not about Immigration. We still have a bunch of things to improve on the radio,but we will have several programs with many American and Brazilian Pastors.
You can listen to our online radio here http://linvingwatergospelradio.com/ and you can use your cellphone to listen the program as well, just click where is written OUCA OUR RADIO PELO CELULAR(listen to our radio using the cell phone). Saturday will be my first program. I had already a pilot program but please forgive me if something goes wrong.
If there is any Christian Missionary or Pastor here, please contact me through private message or through email
PLEASE PUT ON YOUR AGENDA "PROGRAM NEW BEGINNING" , SATURDAY (Feb 13) AT 4 PM(EASTERN TIME)
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Since this is early into VAWA part 7 I thought it would be useful to post some general information links and websites- since not everyone goes back and reads the prior threads.
One of the top concerns in the VAWA thread is legal representation. There are many free (pro bono) or low cost immigration attnys out there that can help you initially file or come on to your case even if you already filed. As mentioned in postings above its better to have an attny in the interview with you. You can use the american bar association directory here- https://apps.americanbar.org/legalservices/probono/directory.html# or the dept of justices legal listings service here- http://www.justice.gov/eoir/list-pro-bono-legal-service-providers-map to start. Services may be limited and/or the attny may have a full case load already so start looking as soon as possible. Call as many as you need to until you find someone.
Another concern is shelter. Call 911 if you need immediate assistance or have already been hurt. Otherwise you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE).
You can go to www.womenslaw.org for a state-by-state directory of domestic violence shelters and resources in the U.S. (http://www.womenslaw.org/gethelp_state.php?state_code=AL) This page also has help for how to get restraining orders and local legal aid among other things.
Shelter assistance can also be found here at the state coalitions for DV- http://www.ncadv.org/learn/state-coalitions
Here is a tour of a shelter for those apprehensive- http://www.safehorizon.org/page/tour-a-domestic-violence-shelter-138.html
DV pamphlet- http://dhhs.ne.gov/children_family_services/Documents/2003silence.pdf
Safety pamphlet for HOW to leave- http://www.womenslaw.org/simple.php?sitemap_id=3
Help for abused men- http://www.helpguide.org/articles/abuse/help-for-abused-men.htm OR http://www.womenslaw.org/gethelp_national_type.php?type_id=1061
VAWA FAQS- http://www.immigrantjustice.org/sites/immigrantjustice.org/files/VAWA%20Frequently%20Asked%20Questions%202010%2011.pdf
Document gathering advice- http://www.ilrc.org/files/document_gathering_for_self-petitioning_under_the_violence_against_women_act.pdf
Detailed self petitioning guide- http://www.lsc.gov/sites/default/files/LSC/pdfs/11.%20Appendix%20X%20%20BB%20CHP%20Self-Petitioning.pdf
Crime victim compensation may be applicable depending on the crime/state/specifics- It is a government program to reimburse victims of violent crimes- such as assault, homicide, rape, and, in some states, burglary - as well as their families for many of their out-of-pocket expenses. Every state has a crime victim compensation program. http://www.nacvcb.org/index.asp?sid=6
Battered women charged with crimes- http://www.womenslaw.org/gethelp_national_type.php?type_id=1071
Catholic Charities- http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/Page.aspx?pid=292 In most states, provides legal representation and information for victims of domestic violence with immigration issues. Give back a smile- The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Charitable Foundation's (AACDCF) Give Back a Smile (GBAS) program heals some of the most devastating effects of domestic and sexual violence, by restoring the smiles of adult women and men who have suffered dental injuries to the front 8 teeth only, from a former intimate partner or spouse, family member or due to sexual assault .http://www.aacd.com/aboutGBAS Find a therapist- https://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/ Victim assistance by state- http://www.aardvarc.org/victim/states/

Hi all,after waiting exactly 70days our ead status just changed.praise God I can work now.Plus Oreoluwa we did not do biometrics cause we are just about applying for aos we recently became current so am thinking bio metrics might be for AOS,but let Sandra advice,am a silent follower but reading her post I know she is very qualified.God blessings my madam Sandra?

Sabinevalerie having a diagnose of major depression or PTSD doesn't mean your VAWA will be approved, you need to prove bonafide marriage as well, and your affidavit and evaluation must have all details about the abuse suffered, of course if the psychologist doesn't give you a diagnosis of major depression and/or post-traumatic disorder it means the professional couldn't find any abuse in your case.A psychological evaluation without describing in DETAILS the abuse has no weight for a VAWA case.

Sabine Valerie file VAWA asap and ask USCIS them to put on hold your I-485, submit proof that you filed VAWA, but usually asking to put the AOS on hold through letter does not work, but you do not have any other option tho.

Hi Sandranj and VJ members, I can't express enough my joy.Just want to share good news to you guys. I got my EAD last month and I Finally received the approval of my vawa yesterday after the long wait. I have been waiting 11 months since I applied my i360 and finally I'm almost over. Just start waiting now for the schedule for interview for my pending i485.
I can't thank Sandra enough for being so wonderful person.I Thank God for using Sandra and thanks to this vawa thread and to the members for sharing their journey and for inspiring other vawa members on their cases.
To all the members who are still waiting for approvals, just keep believing and Sandra is a really great advicer. Just hang in there.I hope and pray for all your approvals too.God is good all the time.
Lonelady

Dodgetown congratulations masn. I AM happy for you. You had the second most difficult RFE that I ever answered,but finally you got your GC. Do not disappear, come back here sometimes to help others ok.

My hands are shaking as I am typing this. Can anybody tell me that this is what I've been waiting for almost a month after my AOS interview:
On November 18, 2015, we ordered your new card for Receipt Number EACxxxxxxxxxx, and will mail it to the address you gave us. If you move, go towww.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.

Hi all,this is my first time posting but I have been silently following the thread.Today is my birthday and I got a gift from Uscis as Vawa approval this morning and am so thankful to God.I appreciate Sandra a lot.I got a 5page rfe in July and sent the response on 5th Oct and praise God today I got my approval.as many of you that are stilling waiting for approval keep believing that our God is alive and more than able.

Hello VJ members,
I dont know how best I thank Sandra because its even hard to believe that such people do exist in today's world. She is an amazing lady.
I was abused with my kids and I was dumped in the middle of no where. my last resort was a shelter where I lived from October 2014 to May 2015. Members its a long story I am speechless.
My case was so complicated that even Sandra told me it was of its own kind but She instilled faith in me and we prayed and she worked tirelessly on my case todate.
In short, I filed on December 15, 2014, received a VERY BAD RFE at that moment I passed out, Sandra wrote another explanation of 10 pages. I mailed it on May 29th, since then I have been waiting till today when I recieved the "message of the year 2015!" that "your petition has been approved on november 10th".
Members I could not jump enough and could not scream enough.
I want to tell you members "God puts the way where you dont see it", have faith, finally you gona have light at the end of the tunnel.
VJ has got great members but has got a great resource in "Sandra", with her, no need for a lawyer. One lawyer wasted my time and finally dumped me saying that there is no money to help me through the process and I have no chance of winning. So I am advising all who are still waiting that have faith, keep praying and lets use the resources from this site because these are Godly people who are ready to help free of charge, where can some one find a free service like this? Sandra, may the God Lord reward you all your desires, long live.

I am so happy today. I had some very difficult cases, but this case is special for me. This man stayed at the shelter for 5 months with his kids.He got a BAD RFE, but I answered 8/10 pages, and today he was approved. Praise the Lord. He will post here later.

DL28,
Thanks for kind words. God helped me to go through very difficult times. And I know that today is not a different day, He is still with us, my friend.
People here have said that some immigration officers don't make the same day decisions because the are new = trainees. They need need a supervisor review before they can approve you. Maybe your officer was just a newbie and you will get your decision very soon.
Skazzka,
I had a really long and very complicated immigration case. I've been through immigration court process, seen 2 different immigration judges and 3 different government attorney's. But as you can see I am still alive, even though I feel like I will not survive another immigration battle. Like in the old Chinese saying: Temptation to quit will be greatest just before you are about to succeed.
Good luck to all of you. Stay strong and keep remembering that Jesus is with us.

DODGER
APPROVED YOU WILL BE
TAKE IT FROM ME
BE HAPPY

What you described here is not grounds for Vawa, financial abuse goes beyond your wife spending your paycheck. Financial abuse is considered in extreme cases. I handled over 6.000 VAWAS cases and just had two cases based in financial abuse,despite many of them said they were financially abused. It seems you have an unpleasant marriage,and it seems she is using you,but I do not see here abuse. There is a huge difference between being used and abused.
If you choose extreme cruelty ground you should attend therapy and have a psychological evaluation done, and if you can prove bona-fide marriage and you are diagnosed with major depression or post traumatic disorder due the abuse suffered then you have a VAWA case.
To evaluate your case better you should see an attorney, but considering what you posted here I do not see a VAWA case. Good luck.

The meetup was great,we had there people that didn't file VAWA yet. It was good to see there 7 others visa Journey members that got their GC last year, and 2 of them became U.S. Citizens this year.
I will not set up meetup again until next summer ok.

Folks the meetup will be tomorrow from 1pm to 3 pm,please do not show up there minutes before I leave because I will not stay there after 3pm.There is no subway to Wall Street on weekends.Take the R subway on 14th street(Union Square) and get off at RECTOR STREET , walk 5/8min and you will be there.

I got e-mail notification that my VAWA is approved!!! I am so happy. Waiting for an approval letter in the mail.

Oti therapy is very important, but you should see a doctor to get some medication to overcome depression and anxiety, it will help you a lot.Victims of domestic violence usually are sad, depressed, angry, blame themselves, lost the sparkle, but you have to take day by day, and little by little you will go through the night without fear, through another week, month etc. You are one of the fortunate ones because you did get out ALIVE. Every year just in the USA 3.000 women are murdered by their partners, and you made it! You have a reason to celebrate your life.
You will find your way back to the person you were before the abuse, just do not rush the healing process, be gentle with yourself, and with time you will see merging the pieces of yourself together. You left your abuser and just for that give credit for yourself, you were brave.I advise you to seek out a local support group as well, it will help you tremendously. Do not blame yourself, abuse is a choice and he chose to abuse you, you did not ask to be abused and remember you acted according with what you believed was right at that moment. You are not to blame for having been abused.The feelings you are experiencing such as fear, anxiety, emotionally numb, easily frightened, most of the victims of DV experience as well. Give yourself some time to grieve.But do not let him win this battle, how? focusing on you and your own happiness rather focusing in what he did against you. Honor the victims of domestic violence that lost their lives fighting abuse, how? speaking OUT against violence domestic, reaching out and helping others to overcome abuse and/or to leave the abuser.Love can mend the deepest unseen wounds. Love can heal, and strengthen, feel loved my sister, we love you! Feel God's presence that stands beside you and you will never feel alone again.Trust God's grace!