Immigration Evaluations

Immigration Psychological Evaluations are specialized mental health assessments conducted by licensed psychologists or other qualified mental health professionals. These evaluations serve as supporting evidence in various U.S. immigration cases, providing insight into the emotional, psychological, and mental health conditions of individuals involved in legal proceedings.

🧠 What Is an Immigration Psychological Evaluation?

An immigration psychological evaluation is a detailed written report that assesses an individual’s mental and emotional state in the context of an immigration case. These evaluations are typically submitted to immigration courts or agencies to support a legal claim.

📚 Types of Immigration Cases That May Require an Evaluation

1. Asylum and Refugee Cases

   • Evaluates psychological impact of trauma, persecution, or violence.

   • Assesses PTSD, depression, and anxiety related to past experiences.

2. Hardship Waivers (I-601, I-601A, I-212)

   • Focuses on the extreme psychological hardship that a U.S. citizen or permanent resident would suffer if a loved one is deported or denied entry.

3. U Visa (Victims of Crime)

   • Documents the emotional and psychological impact of qualifying criminal activity (e.g., domestic violence, sexual assault).

4. T Visa (Victims of Human Trafficking)

   • Evaluates the trauma and mental health effects caused by human trafficking.

5. VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) Petitions

   • Documents abuse (physical, emotional, psychological) by a U.S. citizen or LPR spouse or family member.

6. Cancellation of Removal

   • Demonstrates how removal would cause exceptional and extremely unusual hardship to a U.S. citizen or LPR family member.

📝 What’s Included in the Evaluation Report?

• Clinical interviews (often 1–2 sessions)

• Psychological testing (if necessary)

• Review of medical or mental health history

• Assessment of emotional/psychological functioning

• Trauma assessment (when relevant)

• DSM-5 diagnoses (if applicable)

• Impact of immigration-related issues on mental health

• Prognosis and treatment recommendations

• Expert opinion supporting the legal claim

👨‍⚕️ Who Can Conduct the Evaluation?

• Licensed Clinical Psychologists (Ph.D. or Psy.D.)

• Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)

• Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC)

• Psychiatrists (less common, usually focus on medication management)

Note: Immigration courts often give more weight to evaluations conducted by doctoral-level clinicians.

⏱️ How Long Does It Take?

• Interviews: 1–3 hours (may be split into multiple sessions)

• Report Writing: Typically 1–2 weeks

• Rush services: Is available for an additional fee. The report will be provided within 48 hours of the final session.

💵 Cost

• $1500

  • Includes session fee for up to 3 hours or 3 sessions.

    • Additional sessions are $200/session.

  • Includes basic evaluations

    • Additional and more detailed evaluations are $150/evaluation

      • This does not include session fees for the clinician who is completing the evaluation

  • Includes the report

    • Rush services are available for an additional fee of $500

🌎 Languages & Cultural Sensitivity

Evaluators often work with interpreters and are trained in trauma-informed care and culturally competent practices.

📌 Tips When Seeking an Immigration Psychological Evaluation

• Work with an immigration attorney who can refer you to a trusted evaluator.

• Choose someone with experience in immigration evaluations.

• Be open and honest during your interview.

• Bring relevant documents (medical records, court documents, etc.).