What Is an Immigration Evaluation and Why Is It Requested in Immigration Cases?
Learn what an immigration evaluation is, why it’s requested in cases like VAWA, U Visa, T Visa, hardship waivers, and Cancellation of Removal, and how licensed therapists provide trauma-informed evaluations across multiple U.S. states through virtual services.
Key Takeaways
Immigration evaluations document the emotional and psychological impact of trauma, abuse, and hardship
These evaluations are commonly requested in cases such as VAWA, U Visa, T Visa, hardship waivers (I-601 / I-601A), and Cancellation of Removal
Immigration evaluations focus on mental health, not legal eligibility or outcomes
Evaluations can often be completed virtually, depending on licensure and state regulations
What Is an Immigration Evaluation?
An immigration evaluation is a structured mental health assessment conducted by a licensed therapist to document how trauma, abuse, hardship, or prolonged stress has affected a person’s emotional and psychological well-being. These evaluations are often requested as part of an immigration case to provide professional documentation of mental health impacts that may not be fully captured through legal records alone.
As licensed therapists, our role is to assess emotional functioning, trauma history, and current psychological symptoms, and to summarize these findings in a formal written report. Immigration evaluations do not determine legal eligibility or case outcomes. All legal decisions are made by immigration attorneys or the court.
Why Are Immigration Evaluations Requested?
Immigration cases often involve experiences such as emotional abuse, violence, family separation, long-term uncertainty, or chronic fear. While legal documents outline events, they may not fully explain how these experiences have affected a person’s emotional health.
Immigration evaluations help provide clinical context by:
Documenting emotional and psychological distress
Explaining how trauma affects daily functioning and relationships
Describing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, fear, sleep difficulties, or emotional overwhelm
Clarifying emotional hardship experienced by the individual or their family
What Types of Immigration Cases Use Mental Health Evaluations?
Mental health immigration evaluations are commonly requested in the following cases:
VAWA cases involving emotional, psychological, or physical abuse
U Visa cases involving victims of qualifying crimes
T Visa cases involving trafficking or exploitation
Hardship Waivers (I-601 / I-601A) where extreme hardship must be demonstrated
Cancellation of Removal cases requiring documentation of emotional and psychological hardship
Each evaluation is individualized and based on the person’s unique history, experiences, and symptoms.
What Happens During an Immigration Evaluation?
An immigration evaluation typically includes:
A clinical interview focused on personal history and emotional experiences
Discussion of traumatic events and long-term stressors
Assessment of emotional symptoms and functioning
Review of relevant background information when available
Following the evaluation, the therapist prepares a detailed written report that summarizes clinical findings in a trauma-informed and professional manner.
Can Immigration Evaluations Be Done Virtually?
In many cases, immigration evaluations can be conducted virtually through secure telehealth platforms. Virtual evaluations improve access for individuals who may not be able to attend in-person appointments, depending on state licensure regulations.
Interpreter services may also be available to support clients who feel most comfortable communicating in their preferred language.
Important Things to Know
An immigration evaluation is not therapy, though discussing personal experiences can feel emotional
An evaluation does not guarantee a specific legal outcome
Therapists do not provide legal advice or determine case eligibility
The purpose of the evaluation is to document mental health impacts related to lived experiences in a clear and professional manner.
How Nueva Vida Therapy Can Support You
At Nueva Vida Therapy, we provide trauma-informed mental health immigration evaluations for individuals navigating complex immigration processes. Our evaluations are conducted by licensed therapists who understand the emotional impact of abuse, hardship, family separation, and long-term immigration-related stress.
We offer:
Mental health immigration evaluations for VAWA, U Visa, T Visa, hardship waivers (I-601 / I-601A), and Cancellation of Removal
Services in English and Spanish, with interpreter support available when needed
Secure virtual immigration evaluations are available for clients located in the states where our therapists are licensed, including Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Texas, Washington State, and Washington, D.C.
A respectful, culturally responsive approach that centers your story
📞 Phone: 619-728-9330
🌐 Website: https://nueva-vida-therapy.com
📩 Email: Info@Nueva-Vida-Therapy.com
