What are Immigration Psychological Evaluations?
Immigration psychological evaluations are specialized assessments conducted by licensed mental health professionals, such as psychologist, or psychotherapist, to provide objective, expert evidence in support of an individual's immigration case. These evaluations typically involve comprehensive interviews, and testing to assess an applicant's mental state, the psychological impact of past experiences (like trauma, persecution, or abuse), or the potential extreme hardship they or their family would face under specific immigration outcomes. They are frequently utilized in various petition types, including asylum claims, U-Visas, VAWA petitions, and Extreme Hardship Waivers. The resulting detailed report serves as a crucial piece of evidence for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the immigration courts, helping adjudicators understand the complex human elements and psychological factors relevant to a case.
Asylum (I-589) Evaluations
An Asylum Psychological Evaluation (I-589) provides crucial documentation of the emotional and psychological effects of persecution, discrimination, or threats experienced in a person’s country of origin. These evaluations are often key in asylum cases, as they demonstrate the mental health consequences of past trauma and the ongoing fear of future harm.
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Evaluations
For survivors of abuse by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or child, applying for protection under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) often requires a professional psychological evaluation. These evaluations provide crucial documentation that highlights the emotional and mental health effects of abuse, giving survivors the opportunity to pursue legal status without remaining tied to their abuser.
T - Visa (I-914) and U-Visa ( I-918) Evaluations
For survivors of human trafficking, applying for a T-Visa can be a critical step toward rebuilding safety, stability, and independence in the United States. A psychological evaluation plays an essential role in this process by documenting the lasting emotional and psychological effects of trafficking.
A U-Visa is available to victims of qualifying crimes who have experienced serious physical or emotional harm and have cooperated with law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution. A psychological evaluation is often a key part of the application, as it provides professional documentation of the emotional and mental health consequences of victimization.
HardshIp Waiver (I -601/ I-601A) Evaluations
For many families, the threat of deportation means the possibility of being separated from loved ones and facing life-changing hardship. An I-601 or I-601A Waiver Psychological Evaluation helps document the serious emotional, financial, and medical challenges that U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident relatives would face if their loved one were removed from the country.
A Cancellation of Removal Psychological ( I- 881) Evaluations
A Cancellation of Removal Psychological Evaluation is designed to show how deportation would significantly affect the mental health and stability of an individual and their family. These evaluations document the emotional, financial, medical, and social consequences of removal, providing critical evidence for immigration cases.