POLICY ALERT: Policy Manual Updates for VAWA (Feb. 3, 2026)

On December 22, 2025, USCIS updated its Policy Manual on petitions filed under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). This Policy Alert reviews the changes USCIS highlighted and comments on their impact. It then examines the changes ASISTA views as most critical for practitioners to know about and provides initial guidance in response. ASISTA will provide further guidance through training and written resources as warranted, and members are encouraged to request technical assistance for any individual case questions.