Our Services
Psychosocial evaluations, also called forensic immigration evaluations, for seven immigration waiver types, backed by standardized clinical instruments and case-specific interview protocols.
Which immigration cases do you evaluate?
We support seven categories of immigration relief
Kipu Terra evaluates seven waiver and relief types: I-601A, I-601, VAWA, U-Visa, T-Visa, I-212, and Cancellation of Removal. Each documents, under DSM-5-TR criteria, the psychological and functional impact on the person evaluated (the qualifying U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident relative in hardship cases; the survivor or victim in VAWA, U-Visa, and T-Visa cases), supported by PHQ-9 and GAD-7 screening.
Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver
The I-601A provisional unlawful presence waiver: a bilingual psychological evaluation, also called a psychosocial evaluation, documenting extreme hardship to the qualifying U.S. citizen or LPR spouse or parent. This is the firm’s most common case type.
Learn moreWaiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility
A bilingual psychological evaluation, also called a psychosocial evaluation, documenting extreme hardship to the qualifying relative for the I-601 waiver of inadmissibility.
Learn moreViolence Against Women Act
Self-petitions for survivors of domestic violence by a U.S. citizen or LPR spouse or parent.
Learn moreCrime Victims
For victims of qualifying crimes who are cooperating with law enforcement.
Learn moreTrafficking Victims
For victims of human trafficking (labor or sex trafficking).
Learn moreCancellation of Removal
For individuals in active removal proceedings before an immigration judge. Requires "exceptional and extremely unusual hardship," a higher legal standard.
Learn morePermission to Reapply for Admission
For individuals who have been deported or removed and seek permission to reapply.
Learn moreNew to psychosocial evaluations? Read the full guide: What is a psychosocial evaluation for immigration?
Not sure who gets evaluated? See the extreme hardship evaluation hub.
What does every evaluation include?
Every engagement includes case review, one or more clinical interviews with the person being evaluated by secure video (Google Meet), standardized testing (PHQ-9 and GAD-7 at minimum, PCL-5 when trauma is indicated), a 12 to 25 page forensic report with DSM-5-TR diagnostic impressions, and dual-clinician co-signature before delivery to the referral source.
- ✓Initial case review and preparation
- ✓Clinical interview session(s) via secure video (Google Meet)
- ✓Standardized psychological testing (PHQ-9 + GAD-7 minimum; PCL-5 when trauma is indicated)
- ✓Comprehensive forensic report (12 to 25 pages) with DSM-5-TR diagnostic impressions
- ✓Dual-clinician review and co-signature
- ✓One copy of the final report delivered to the referral source
- ✓Coordination with the referring attorney or immigration office
What standardized tests do you use?
Validated, peer-reviewed clinical instruments
Every case includes the PHQ-9 for depression and the GAD-7 for anxiety. The PCL-5 is added when trauma is indicated, the PSS-14 for chronic stress and caregiver burden, and WHODAS 2.0 for functional impairment. Results give objective, DSM-5-TR aligned support for each diagnostic impression.
| Instrument | Measures |
|---|---|
| PHQ-9 | Depression severity |
| GAD-7 | Anxiety severity |
| PCL-5 | PTSD/trauma symptoms |
| PSS-14 | Perceived stress |
| WHODAS 2.0 | Functional impairment |
| BAI/BDI | Anxiety/depression (alternative) |
| PAI | Broad psychopathology |
| MMPI | Comprehensive personality assessment |
How do you tailor the evaluation to each case?
Not every case is the same. We don't use a one-size-fits-all template.
Our clinical interview is tailored to your specific case type and waiver category. From standard I-601A hardship evaluations to VAWA, U-Visa, and other specialized relief, we adapt our approach to capture the clinical evidence that matters most for your filing.
What is in the forensic report?
14 sections modeled after gold-standard forensic reports
The report follows a 14-section forensic structure: evaluator information, methodology, behavioral observations, an interview analysis with direct quotes, standardized assessment results, and DSM-5-TR diagnostic impressions, among others. Annexes add item-level scoring for each instrument and full diagnostic criteria for each diagnosis rendered.
- 1Header & Evaluator Information
- 2Opening Paragraph
- 3Disclosure of Sensitive Information
- 4Informed Consent & HIPAA
- 5Statement of Impartiality
- 6Methodology
- 7Behavioral Observations / MSE
- 8Interview Analysis (core narrative with direct quotes)
- 9Symptom Inventory
- 10Standardized Assessment Results
- 11Psychiatric, Substance Use, & Medical History
- 12Conclusions & Recommendations
- 13DSM-5-TR Diagnostic Impressions
- 14Professional Declaration & Dual Signature Block
Plus annexes: One per instrument administered (item-level scoring) and one per diagnosis rendered (full DSM-5-TR criteria).
Ready to get in touch?
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