An immigration evaluation, also known as an immigration psychological evaluation or hardship evaluation, is a mental health assessment that helps determine an individual’s eligibility for immigration. A licensed clinician conducts the evaluation, which includes an interview and a written report, to assess an individual’s background and circumstances. This may include information about their family, mental health, and trauma history.
We are proud to offer culturally mindful, trauma-informed immigration evaluations in our effort to serve immigrant communities. Please see below for the types of cases for which we offer evaluations.
Extreme Hardship Waiver
Extreme Hardship Waivers are given to immigrants who have remained in the United States without permission. The application is submitted by a family member who is a legal U.S. Citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States who would experience extreme hardship if they were separated from or forced to relocate with the non-citizen immigrant.
VAWA Evaluation
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provides non-citizen immigrants, regardless of gender, with a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident spouse, children, or parent to file a petition to remain in the United States without the abuser’s knowledge. The non-citizen immigrant must provide evidence that proves the suffering of the violence and domestic abuse.
Asylum Evaluation
Asylum is a process that must be completed with your lawyer within one year of arriving in the U.S. if you seek protection for yourself (including your spouse and children) due to suffering or thinking you might suffer persecution in your country of origin. The types of persecution suffered could be related to race, religion, nationality, being a member of a social group, and/or due to having a certain political opinion.
U-Visa/T-Visa
A U-Visa is a non-immigrant visa given to victims of a crime (and their immediate family members) while in the United States. The T-Visa is specifically for victims of human trafficking crimes. The undocumented individual is also willing to work together with law enforcement and the government in the investigation process of the criminal activity that caused them physical or mental suffering. U.S. authorities protect the victim during this process.