Our Services
Psychological evaluations, also called forensic immigration evaluations, for eight immigration case types, backed by clinically appropriate instruments and case-specific interview protocols.
Which immigration cases do you evaluate?
We support eight categories of immigration relief
Kipu Terra provides immigration psychological evaluations for I-601A, I-601, I-612, VAWA, U-Visa, T-Visa, Cancellation of Removal, and I-212. Who is evaluated and what the report documents depend on the form and the legal question identified by the referring attorney. Each evaluation uses clinically appropriate interviews and standardized instruments, and every report receives dual-clinician review.
Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver
The I-601A provisional unlawful presence waiver: a psychological evaluation with six-language access, 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 psychological evaluation with six-language access, documenting extreme hardship to the qualifying relative for the I-601 waiver of inadmissibility.
Learn moreJ-1 Exceptional Hardship Waiver
A forensic psychological evaluation of the qualifying U.S. citizen or permanent-resident spouse or child for a J-1 exceptional hardship waiver. Starting at $750, with nationwide access by secure video.
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 psychological evaluations? Read the full guide: What is a psychological evaluation for immigration?
Need details about extreme-hardship matters? 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, HIPAA-compliant Google Meet, standardized assessments selected for the person’s age and case type, a 15 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, HIPAA-compliant Google Meet
- ✓Standardized measures selected for the person’s age, symptoms, language, and case type
- ✓Comprehensive forensic report (typically 15 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
The evaluator selects the assessment instruments while planning each interview and evaluation, considering the case type and the person’s age, language, history, and individual needs. Examples include the PHQ-9, GAD-7, PCL-5 with the LEC-5, and WHODAS 2.0. The combination varies by case and may be adjusted as further information becomes available. Results are interpreted alongside the interview and relevant records to inform the clinical findings.
| 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) |
| LEC-5 | Trauma exposure inventory |
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?
A case-specific report organized for legal review
The report is organized around the case type and the clinical evidence documented. It may address how the evaluation was conducted, the relevant history and observations, standardized assessment results, diagnostic impressions when supported, and case-specific conclusions. The final structure varies by the form of relief, the available records, and the findings supported by the evaluation. Supporting appendices are included when clinically appropriate.
How the evaluation was conducted
Methods, records reviewed, interview sources, and the limits of the evaluation.
What the clinical evidence shows
Relevant history, behavioral observations, interview analysis, and standardized assessment results.
Case-specific clinical conclusions
Functional impact, DSM-5-TR diagnostic impressions when supported, and conclusions based on the evaluation.
Ready to get in touch?
Pick the door that fits you, or reach us directly.
An attorney referral is not required. Self-represented clients can contact us directly.
If you email us, please include a callback number and your preferred language.