Immigration Psychological Evaluation FAQ

An immigration psychological evaluation combines a clinical interview, relevant records, and standardized assessments. The report documents the clinical findings supported by that evidence. You can begin through an attorney referral or contact us directly if you are representing yourself. Kipu Terra provides evaluations nationwide by secure Google Meet.

The person evaluated and the clinical focus depend on the case type. Some evaluations document hardship to a qualifying relative; others document the psychological effects of abuse, crime, or trafficking. Before the interview, we review the intake information and relevant records with you or your referring office. We do not determine legal eligibility.

For the J-1 exceptional hardship service, we evaluate the qualifying U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or child. We document that relative’s mental health and daily functioning in the separation and relocation scenarios. An immigration attorney determines eligibility and filing strategy.

Evaluations are conducted via secure, HIPAA-compliant Google Meet. Most evaluations are completed in a single session. Your evaluator will let you know what to expect based on your specific case.

English, Spanish, or both. Our licensed evaluators provide those services directly, so no interpreter is needed. For French, Haitian Creole, Mandarin Chinese, and Portuguese, we coordinate a professional neutral interpreter through our language-service partnerships, generally about $100 per hour for live sessions.

It depends on the case type. Hardship evaluations (I-601A, I-601, I-612, I-212) start at $750, VAWA at $1,000, U-Visa at $1,000, T-Visa at $1,000, and cancellation of removal at $1,200. Your exact fee is confirmed in writing before the engagement. A deposit reserves your evaluation, and the balance is due before the report is delivered. This is separate from any fees you pay to your attorney or immigration office.

We deliver the report to the authorized recipient, including you if you are representing yourself. We do not send it to immigration authorities on our own. You or your legal representative decide whether to submit it. Ask a qualified immigration attorney about the legal implications of submitting clinical evidence.

We are impartial forensic evaluators and document what the clinical evidence supports. We do not promise a particular finding. You or your authorized legal representative receive the report before deciding whether to file it. Ask a qualified immigration attorney about any legal risk; Kipu Terra does not give legal advice.

We deliver the report to the authorized recipient, including you if you are representing yourself. We do not send it to immigration authorities on our own. You or your legal representative decide whether to submit it. Ask a qualified immigration attorney about the legal implications of submitting clinical evidence.

The interview covers the history that is relevant to the hardship or harm in your case, not your entire life story. You set the pace and can pause at any point. Honest, complete answers make the report accurate, and no one will push you through details that have nothing to do with your case.

No attorney referral is required. Kipu Terra accepts clients who are representing themselves. Contact us directly to discuss the clinical evaluation you need. We provide the evaluation and report; we do not give legal advice, prepare immigration applications, or file documents for you.

No. This is a forensic evaluation, not therapy. We are impartial clinical evaluators. We document your psychological state for the legal record. If you need therapy, we can recommend resources.

At Kipu Terra, a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) conducts the evaluation and drafts the report. The Clinical Lead, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), has final clinical authority and reviews and co-signs every report before release.

I-601A, I-601, I-612, VAWA (I-360), U-Visa (I-918), T-Visa (I-914), Cancellation of Removal (EOIR-42B), and I-212. We also handle RFE responses on existing cases.

Assessments are selected for the person's age, symptoms, language, and case type. The PHQ-9 and GAD-7 are part of the adult hardship battery, with other measures added when clinically indicated. VAWA evaluations and evaluations of minors follow separate protocols. The Clinical Lead approves each minor's evaluation plan.

Standard: 5-7 days. Rush service adds $300 for 72 hours, $500 for 48 hours, or $900 for 24 hours to the case base fee, subject to availability.

A case-specific forensic report, generally 15 to 25 pages, with the methods used, clinical observations, interview analysis, standardized assessment results, DSM-5-TR diagnostic impressions when supported, and conclusions. A second clinician reviews and co-signs every report before release.

To start a referral, tell us the case type, preferred interview language and filing deadline. We confirm who needs to be evaluated, the documents required and the secure way to send them.

The usual deliverable is the co-signed forensic report. Expert testimony is not a standard offering; it is available only by separate agreement, subject to availability confirmed by Kipu Terra. Contact us to discuss whether a case calls for it.

Yes. New or updated evaluations for USCIS Requests for Evidence are quoted per case from $750, depending on the deadline and scope. We can accommodate expedited turnaround.

We serve clients throughout the United States via secure, HIPAA-compliant Google Meet from our New Mexico-based practice.