What Is Form I-360?
Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, is a multi-purpose USCIS form used by several distinct categories of immigrants to apply for classification as a special immigrant or to self-petition for immigrant status. Despite its somewhat confusing official title, the I-360 is the gateway form for a wide range of immigration categories, from religious workers seeking green cards to victims of domestic violence seeking protection under VAWA.
The I-360 is unique in that many of its categories allow self-petitioning — meaning the beneficiary files the form themselves rather than needing an employer or family member to petition on their behalf. This is particularly important for VAWA self-petitioners, who by definition need to be able to petition independently of their abuser.
Each category that uses Form I-360 has different eligibility requirements, different evidence standards, and different outcomes. This guide covers the most commonly used I-360 categories and explains what you need to know for each.
Categories That Use Form I-360
EB-4 Religious Workers
Religious workers seeking permanent residence through the EB-4 special immigrant category file Form I-360. This includes ministers, religious professionals, and other religious workers who have been working in a religious capacity for at least 2 years for a bona fide nonprofit religious organization. The petition can be filed by the religious organization (employer) or self-petitioned by the worker.
Required evidence includes proof of the organization's tax-exempt status, evidence of at least 2 years of qualifying religious work, a detailed description of the religious position, and evidence of compensation. USCIS conducts site visits for religious worker cases.
VAWA Self-Petitioners
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) allows certain abused spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens or permanent residents to self-petition for immigrant classification using Form I-360. VAWA self-petitioners do not need their abuser's cooperation or knowledge to file.
To qualify as a VAWA self-petitioner, you must demonstrate that you are (or were) the spouse or child of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, that you were subjected to battery or extreme cruelty by that person, that you entered the marriage in good faith (for spousal claims), that you are a person of good moral character, and that you have resided with the abuser in the United States. VAWA cases are confidential — USCIS is prohibited from disclosing information about the filing to the abuser.
Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJS)
Children under 21 who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents can file I-360 for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. Before filing, the child must obtain a special findings order from a state juvenile court declaring the child dependent on the court or in state custody, that reunification with one or both parents is not viable, and that it would not be in the child's best interest to return to their home country.
SIJS is a critical protection for vulnerable children, but it requires coordination between the state family court system and federal immigration law. The state court order must be obtained first, and then the I-360 is filed with USCIS. Time is of the essence because the child must be under 21 when the I-360 is filed.
Widows and Widowers
If your U.S. citizen spouse died and you were married for at least 2 years at the time of death, you may self-petition using Form I-360. You must file within 2 years of the spouse's death (this deadline has been the subject of litigation and legislative changes — check current law). You must not have remarried at the time of filing.
Other I-360 Categories
Additional categories that use Form I-360 include Afghan and Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) applicants (translators and interpreters who served with the U.S. military), international organization employees (UN, World Bank, etc.) who have been employed for at least 15 years, certain NATO-6 retirees, Amerasians (persons born in Vietnam between 1962 and 1976 to a U.S. citizen parent), and certain abused spouses and children of A, E, G, or H visa holders under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act.
How to File Form I-360
Step 1: Determine your category. Identify which I-360 classification applies to your situation. The form instructions at uscis.gov/i-360 contain detailed checklists for each category.
Step 2: Complete the form. Download and complete Form I-360. You only fill out the sections relevant to your specific category. The form is long because it covers many different categories — do not complete sections that do not apply to you.
Step 3: Assemble evidence. Required evidence varies dramatically by category. Religious workers need organizational tax-exempt letters and employment records. VAWA self-petitioners need evidence of abuse, the relationship, and good moral character. SIJS applicants need the state court special findings order. Review the specific evidence checklist for your category on uscis.gov.
Step 4: Pay the filing fee (if applicable). Some categories have filing fees; others do not. VAWA self-petitioners and SIJS applicants pay no filing fee. Religious worker petitions have a fee. Check uscis.gov for the current fee schedule.
Step 5: File with USCIS. Mail the completed form, supporting evidence, and fee (if any) to the appropriate USCIS filing address. The filing address varies by category — check the form instructions carefully.
After I-360 Approval
What happens after your I-360 is approved depends on your category:
| Category | Next Step After Approval |
|---|---|
| EB-4 Religious Worker | Wait for visa number (check Visa Bulletin), then file I-485 or go through consular processing |
| VAWA Self-Petitioner | Wait for visa number, then file I-485. May be eligible for employment authorization and deferred action while waiting |
| SIJS | File I-485 when visa number is available. SIJS recipients cannot sponsor parents for immigration benefits |
| Widow(er) | File I-485 (visa numbers are generally available immediately) |
| Afghan/Iraqi SIV | Consular processing at U.S. embassy or I-485 if in the U.S. |
Processing Times and Tips
Processing times for I-360 petitions vary significantly by category and USCIS service center. VAWA cases are processed by the USCIS Vermont Service Center, which has a dedicated unit. Religious worker cases are typically processed at the Texas or Nebraska Service Center. Check the USCIS processing times page for current estimates.
Tips for a smoother filing: submit a complete package the first time (Request for Evidence delays can add months), include a clear cover letter explaining which category you are filing under, organize documents with tabs and a table of contents, provide certified translations for all foreign-language documents, and for VAWA cases, seek help from a legal aid organization or attorney experienced in domestic violence immigration cases.
Confidentiality Protections
VAWA self-petitioners have strong confidentiality protections under federal law. USCIS cannot disclose any information about the VAWA filing to the abuser, and immigration enforcement actions based on information provided by the abuser are restricted. If you are filing a VAWA I-360, your case is processed in a way that protects your safety. These protections also extend to SIJS applicants in many cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can file Form I-360?
It depends on the category. Religious workers can self-petition or have their employer file. VAWA self-petitioners file on their own behalf. SIJS applicants (or their guardians) file after obtaining a state court order. Certain widowers and battered spouses also self-petition. Check the I-360 instructions for your specific category.
Is there a filing fee for I-360?
The filing fee varies by category. Some categories, such as VAWA self-petitioners and SIJS applicants, have no filing fee. Other categories, such as religious workers, require a fee. Check uscis.gov/i-360 for the current fee schedule for your specific category.
How long does I-360 processing take?
Processing times vary significantly by category and USCIS service center. Religious worker petitions may take several months. VAWA and SIJS cases have their own processing queues. Check the USCIS processing times page for current estimates for your specific category.
Can I work after my I-360 is approved?
Approval of the I-360 alone does not grant work authorization. However, VAWA self-petitioners may be eligible for employment authorization upon approval of the I-360. For other categories, work authorization typically comes with the filing or approval of Form I-485 (adjustment of status).
What happens after I-360 approval?
After I-360 approval, you must wait for a visa number to become available (check the Visa Bulletin for EB-4 dates). Once current, you file Form I-485 (adjustment of status) if in the U.S., or go through consular processing if abroad. EB-4 is generally current for most countries.
Key point: The I-360 is a versatile form that serves many different populations. The most critical step is identifying which category applies to your situation and gathering the specific evidence required for that category. When in doubt, consult an immigration attorney.
📚 Related Visa Guides
→ EB-4 Special Immigrant Guide → R-1 Religious Worker Visa → Adjustment of Status (I-485)Last verified: April 2026 · Reviewed by USImmigrationLaw.Today editorial team.