Immigration Evaluation Services
Immigration evaluation services and support for those pursuing immigration status in the United States under VAWA, U Visas, T Visas, or the Hardship Waiver.
VAWA EVALUATIONS, U VISA, T VISA & HARDSHIP WAIVERS
Comprehensive immigration evaluations to support your immigration process
The immigration process is a complicated one, and when your immigration case is making use of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), U visas, T visas, or hardship waivers, it can be even more complex.
I am an experienced psychological evaluator for immigration cases under VAWA, U visas, T visas, and hardship waivers, and I am proud to offer my evaluation services to help you through this challenging process.
IMMIGRATION PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS IN ENGLISH & SPANISH
My role as a psychological evaluator for immigration claims
I am an experienced therapist, and the comprehensive evaluations I provide as part of your VAWA, U visa, T visa, or hardship waiver immigration process will serve as evidence and provide support to your immigration claim.
Professional assessment of the emotional, psychological, and physical impacts on you and on any other individuals involved in the immigration claim.
One, 2-3 Hour Appointment to understand the specifics of your immigration claim and ask clarifying questions so I can understand the full facts of your situation.
A 10-25 page evaluation write-up, with a detailed discussion of your situation, the impacts of abuse or hardship, and any other supporting information I can provide.
Understanding VAWA, U Visas, T Visas & Hardship Waivers
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The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is a U.S. federal law established to protect victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. It makes it possible for eligible non-citizen spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens to self-petition for lawful permanent residency without the knowledge or assistance of their abusive U.S. citizen or permanent resident family member.
The goal of using VAWA in immigration cases is to make sure eligible non-citizens who are dependent on a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident for their immigration status don’t have to suffer abuse to continue to maintain their lawful residency in the U.S.
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The U visa is a nonimmigrant entry status set aside for individuals who are admissible to the United States and have been harmed by qualifying criminal activity, have information about criminal activity, have suffered physical or mental abuse because of criminal activity, and/or have been helpful to law enforcement in the prosecution of a crime.
Congress created the U visa from the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 to help those hurt by certain crimes stay safe and to help law enforcement prosecute those same crimes.
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T visas, or T nonimmigrant status, are limited-term (up to 4 years) immigration benefits to help people who have been harmed by severe forms of human trafficking. T visa applicants must comply with requests for help in detecting, investigating, or prosecuting human trafficking, though there are some exceptions and exemptions.
Congress created the T visa from the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000, hoping to help those harmed by human trafficking stay safe and to help law enforcement end human trafficking operations.
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Hardship waivers were established to help people who can prove that if they are not granted immigration status, there will be extreme hardship to themselves or their relatives who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.
These waivers provide an opportunity for individuals to request an exception to certain immigration requirements based on compelling circumstances.
My Immigration Evaluation Process
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Our initial consultation session will be a phone call. This session lets us start gathering information about your situation, including what type of evaluation you need and the attorney you are working with.
I will explain the evaluation process and answer any questions you have for me, and we will work together to figure out the full scope of the evaluation.
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After determining that an evaluation is appropriate, I typically gather all necessary information in one 2-3 hour appointment. If needed, we can schedule an additional session to ensure thorough coverage. This session is a space for you to share your experiences, provide relevant background information, and discuss the hardships faced as a result of domestic violence, labor abuse, or other qualifying circumstances.
My role in this appointment is to listen with empathy and non-judgment, ask you clarifying questions, and help you feel comfortable sharing by creating a safe and supportive environment throughout the process.
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After our evaluation sessions, I will carefully review the information provided and put together a comprehensive written report. It typically takes me 7-10 business days to complete the report.
This report typically consists of 10-25 pages and includes an overview of the steps you’ve gone through in the evaluation process, a detailed summary of your experiences, and the impact of the abuse or hardships on your mental health and well-being. I’ll also include the impacts on other individuals who are involved in your particular case if appropriate. I’ll also include any other relevant information required for your immigration case.
Questions about the immigration evaluation process?
I am here to help you navigate through this difficult process, and I want to support you in your journey toward a better future.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The cost of the full evaluation for U Visa, T Visa, and VAWA is $850 and $900 for a Hardship Evaluation. This covers an initial session, two 90-minute evaluation sessions, and a 15-25 page detailed report to serve as evidence and support in your immigration claim.
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I am not a lawyer, so providing definitive advice about your eligibility is outside of my professional scope. If your attorney hasn’t clarified this for you, yet, or you are in need of an attorney, I can help connect you to services that may be able to get you an answer.
That said, the initial session in my evaluation process is intended to make sure an evaluation is appropriate for your situation. I do not charge fees to clients if my services will not be of use to you, as it is important to me that you not go through extra steps or expenses in your immigration process.
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I do not provide therapy services to people I’ve written immigration evaluations for.
When I work with someone on an immigration evaluation, it is important that I remain unbiased so my evaluation can carry more weight for your immigration claim. I can’t claim to be unbiased if I become your therapist after our work together on the immigration evaluation.
That said, I will always provide referrals and am happy to help you get set up with a therapist who is a good fit.
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It is my job to develop mutual trust and help you feel comfortable and safe.
I know that the immigration process can be difficult, and even more so when VAWA, U visas, T visas, or hardship waivers come into play.
I will need to know the details of what you’ve experienced in order to support your claim. I will treat you with empathy and compassion throughout this process, as I consider it an honor to help people in this process. My therapeutic training helps me understand you and your experiences, and I will always listen without judgment or criticism.
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I will provide the details you share with me in my final evaluation after our sessions, and I will ask you to sign a “Release of Information” so that I can consult with your attorney.
Ultimately, the report I provide is for your own use, and you get to decide what happens with that information.
I do not share the details of your situation or experiences with anyone other than your attorney and what’s included in your report. Our sessions will be confidential.