This flow chart shows the general process through which a non-citizen who has been subjected to abuse or extreme cruelty by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) spouse, parent or child over 21 may self-petition. Visa availability is determined by the U.S. State Department and announced through its visa bulletin. You can check the current visa bulletin at http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/law-and-policy/bulletin.html.