Yes, VAWA gives you a green card. Under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) certain foreign nationals can self-petition for a green card if they have been abused by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or child. The VAWA green card grants work authorization, deferred action, and the ability to apply for lawful permanent residence.

A conditional green card is a temporary permanent resident card issued to noncitizens who have entered the U.S. through marriage, employment, or investment. Conditional green cards expire after two years. To maintain permanent resident status, individuals must file a Form I-751 within 90 days of the card’s expiration date.

Qualifying for a waiver of inadmissibility involves ineligibility for a visa or green card and having a relative who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. The qualifying relative must be your spouse, parent, child, or fiancee, depending on the grounds of inadmissibility. You also must demonstrate that denying you a visa or green card would cause extreme hardship to your relative.