Do I need an Immigration Evaluation?

What kinds of immigration evaluations are there?

In my experience offering evaluations since 2015, the most common type of evaluation is a hardship evaluation. Other common evaluations include VAWA in the event of an immigrant male or female partner being a victim of intimate partner violence, T-visa when an immigrant has been the victim of labor or sexual trafficking, U-visa in the event an immigrant has been a victim of crime, cancellation of removal when an immigrant is in removal proceedings, removal of conditions when an immigrant has an approved visa for work or school or has earned a green card through a short marriage, and asylum.

Whether or not you *need* one may be at the recommendation of your immigration attorney or personal choice. Research demonstrates that when immigration evaluations accompany an application, there is a higher likelihood of success.

I offer hardship evaluations, VAWA evaluations, U-visa evaluations, cancellation of removal evaluations and evaluations for removal of conditions. I do not offer asylum evaluations at this time.

What is an immigration hardship evaluation?

An immigration hardship evaluation consists of 2 to 3 hours of face-to-face clinical interviews with a trained mental health professional who has a masters degree in the field of social work, counseling, marriage and family therapy, or mental health, counseling, or a psychologist with a doctorate degree.

During the hardship evaluation interview, the immigration evaluation therapist will ask you questions related to your upbringing and personal history, your education and employment history, your marriage and family life including family ties here in United States as well as the country of relocation, medical conditions that can impact your mental health or be exacerbated by stress (like hypertension, diabetes, migraine, IBS), current mental health symptoms as well as any mental health symptom and/or treatment history. You’ll also be asked to complete a few questionnaires to assess for current symptom presentation whether it be depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, perinatal depression, as applicable to your situation.

Cancellation of removal evaluations and evaluations for removal of conditions are structured very similarly to a hardship evaluation.

If you are applying for a VAWA petition, the evaluation interview will be more heavily focused on your relationship, details of the abuse (emotional, physical, sexual, spiritual, and financial) you suffered, and the enduring impact of the abuse on your current mental health.

If you are applying for a U-Visa, the evaluation interview will be focused on the crime you were a victim of, how you participated in the ensuing investigation with law enforcement, and evidence of the enduring impact of the crime on your current mental health.

What is considered extreme hardship? And what qualifies as extreme hardship for immigration?

USCIS identifies the common consequences of an immigrant family member being required to leave the United States as: family separation, economic detriment, difficulties of readjusting to life in the new country, the quality and availability of educational opportunities abroad, inferior quality of medical services and facilities; and ability to pursue a chosen employment abroad.

In and of themselves, each of the above common consequences on their own do not constitute extreme hardship. However, when assessed cumulatively, they may rise to the level of extreme hardship.

USCIS offers this example: “If a qualifying relative has a medical condition that alone does not rise to the level of extreme hardship, the combination of that hardship and the common consequences of inferior medical services, economic detriment, or readjusting to life in another country may cumulatively cause extreme emotional or financial hardship for the qualifying relative when considering the totality of the circumstances.”

Other factors in consideration of extreme hardship include Family Ties and Impact to family here in the US vs the country of relocation, Social/Cultural Impact including community ties in the United States vs the country of relocation, Economic Impact of applicant’s departure on their qualifying relative, Health Conditions and care in the US vs the country of relocation, and Country Conditions in the country of relocation including significant safety concerns.

A trained immigration evaluation therapist will be able to assess for all of the above factors and offer a succinct written evaluation summarizing all relevant hardship factors in a way that the immigration officer will clearly understand. In my opinion, a thorough written evaluation should also include citations to relevant clinical research. I include relevant clinical research in support of my findings, recommendations, and concerns.

How much does immigration hardship evaluation cost?

Hardship Evaluations can significantly increase the likelihood that your application is approved and as such, are an investment in your family’s future. The cost can vary widely based on training, years of experience, area of the country where the immigration evaluation therapist, among other factors.

What is included in the cost? The cost takes into consideration 2-3 hours of clinical interview, communication with you and your attorney outside of evaluation sessions, several hours of writing time, as well as any additional time needed to conduct relevant research to support your individual case.

Can I use my insurance for an immigration evaluation?

No. These are forensic evaluations and not covered by health insurance.

What are psychological evaluations for immigration?

Technically speaking, only psychologists can conduct “psychological” evaluations for immigration. But there are many other kinds of mental health professionals who can conduct nearly identical evaluations also called immigration evaluations, hardship evaluations, and psychosocial evaluations for immigration, without including psychological testing.

How much does a psychological evaluation for immigration cost?

Because of their specialized training and ability to do testing that other mental health professionals can not, psychologists typically charge more than other mental health professionals for their evaluations. Additionally, if you need an evaluation to support your N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, application, only psychologists (PhD. and medical doctors (MD) can complete these evaluations.

immigration evaluations in MI, CT, FL, IN, OH, and SC.

Schedule your immigration evaluation today!

Hi, I’m Nikki. A graduate of the University of Michigan School of Social Work and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 17+ years of experience. In my online therapy practice, I offer immigration evaluations to adults in states of Michigan, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, and South Carolina who are pursuing the following applications: hardship, VAWA, U-visa, removal of conditions, and cancellation of removal. Reach out today to schedule your evaluation!