Immigration evaluations
A clinical evaluation and written report for an immigration case — usually requested by the family's attorney, sometimes as part of a broader assessment. Honest findings, clearly written, and only what the evaluation actually supports.
Fees and current timing are quoted by phone, because they depend on who has to be interviewed and what the case needs. If we are not the right evaluator for your case, we will tell you that instead of taking your money.
What an evaluation is
- A structured, one-time assessment done for a specific question, not ongoing treatment.
- Clinical interview, review of records you authorize us to see, and standardized testing when the question calls for it.
- Interviews with a spouse, parent, adult child or others who know the situation, when that is appropriate.
- A written report describing findings, diagnosis where there is one, and how the condition affects this person and this family day to day.
What it is not
- Not legal advice. We do not interpret immigration law, and we do not tell you which benefit to request. That is your attorney's job.
- Not paperwork. We do not file with USCIS or assemble your case.
- Not a guarantee. A report is one piece of evidence, weighed with everything else.
- Not for hire in the way that phrase sounds. If the evaluation does not support what the case needs, you will hear that from us first, and the report will say what we actually found.
Cases where this kind of report is usually requested
The categories below are the requests we most often see, written plainly so you can tell your attorney what you are being asked for.
Hardship waivers
I-601 and I-601A provisional waivers, where a qualifying relative’s health and the family’s situation are central to the request.
U nonimmigrant visas
Reports describing the harm a crime victim has experienced and how it still affects daily functioning.
VAWA self-petitions
Documentation of the effects of abuse, for applicants who are petitioning on their own.
Cancellation of removal and suspension
Evaluation of health conditions, including a child’s diagnosis, and the impact on the family if the person must leave.
Asylum and related family claims
Clinical documentation of trauma and its lasting effects, including for children.
Evaluations of a child
ADHD, autism, learning or language disorders, developmental delay and intellectual concerns, when a child’s condition is part of a family’s case.
How it goes, start to finish
Your attorney asks
Most requests come from the family’s immigration attorney, with a written statement of what the case needs. If you do not have an attorney yet, you can still call — but tell us, and we will be clear about what we can and cannot document.
We check the fit
We confirm which evaluation is being requested, who will be interviewed, what records exist, our fee and our current turnaround. If we are not the right evaluator for your case type, we say so rather than take the money.
Records and intake
Medical, school, therapy, military and legal records where they exist, plus completed forms. Signed releases tell us who may receive what.
The interview
One or more sessions with the applicant. Often we also speak with a spouse, parent, adult child or another person who knows the situation, and we interview children at their level. Bring a support person if that helps.
Testing where it helps
Standardized measures of thinking, attention, learning, language or emotional functioning, when the question calls for them. A child’s school evaluation and prior reports are useful here. What an evaluation is like.
The written report
A clinical report addressed the way your attorney needs it, describing findings, diagnosis when there is one, and how the condition affects this person and this family. Extra copies, rush work and records requests are billed separately.
What to have ready
- Your attorney's written request, and the benefit or case type
- Prior medical, behavioral health, psychiatric or hospital records
- School records, IEP or 504 plans, and report cards, especially for a child
- Earlier evaluations, therapy notes or letters from treating providers
- Documentation of the events the case is about, to the extent you have it
- A list of current medications and doses, for each person being evaluated
- Photo identification, and the language you need for an interpreter
- Reliable transportation and a full day, if testing is part of it. See what to bring
Related to the case, but separate
Families in the middle of an immigration case usually have other needs that are not part of a report: a child who needs a school plan, an adult who needs counseling, papers for a disability application, or records from a provider who is no longer available.
Questions families ask
Do I need an immigration attorney before you will evaluate me?
It is strongly better if you have one, because the attorney should say what the case needs and who should be interviewed. We can still see you without one. Tell us when you call and we will keep expectations honest about what a report can and cannot do.
Will you report anything to immigration authorities?
No. We do not contact USCIS, ICE or any agency on our own, and we release the report only to you and to whoever you authorize in writing — usually your attorney. Your care is protected health information under HIPAA. Limited exceptions exist for immediate danger and lawful court orders, the same as any health provider.
Can you guarantee a favorable decision?
No, and be careful with anyone who implies it. The report is one piece of evidence. A decision maker weighs it along with everything else in the case. What we can promise is an honest evaluation, a clear report, and that we will only write what the evaluation actually supports.
What does it cost, and does insurance pay?
Immigration report work is a separate service and is usually billed to the family rather than to insurance, because most plans do not cover documentation written for a legal case. Fees depend on who is interviewed and what the case requires. Call 817-735-4165 for the current fee and what paperwork your attorney should send.
How long does the report take?
It depends on the records, how many people are interviewed and our queue. Ask for current timing when you call, and tell us any filing deadline up front so we can tell you honestly whether we can meet it.
My English is limited. Can we still do this?
Yes. Tell us the language you need when you call and we arrange language assistance. What we are required to provide, including interpreters, is described on our client rights page. Do not answer questions in a language you are not comfortable in; the evaluation is only as good as what you can actually say.
Can you evaluate my child as part of my case?
Yes. We assess children from toddlerhood through adulthood for ADHD, autism, learning and language disorders, developmental delay and intellectual concerns. When a child’s condition matters to a parent’s case, we can document it, and separately we can help you get the school and medical supports the child qualifies for.
Is this the same as a letter from my therapist?
No. A therapist who has treated you can write a letter about what they have observed. An evaluation is a one-time structured assessment done for a specific question, with records, interview and usually testing. Some cases need both. Your attorney should say which, and we will tell you if we think the request is poorly framed.
Working with an attorney? Our legal and court-ordered evaluations guide explains how we handle referral questions, records requests and confidentiality, and our attorney referral list is available if you need one.
Start with the request, not the deadline
Call with your attorney's paperwork and any filing date, and we will tell you what we can document, what it costs and whether we can honestly meet your timeline.