I-612 / J-1 Exceptional Hardship Psychological Evaluation
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.
What does an I-612 hardship evaluation document?
This immigration psychological evaluation documents the qualifying relative’s mental health and daily functioning in connection with the J-1 exchange visitor’s two-year home-country residence requirement. We examine the clinical consequences of both relocation with the exchange visitor and separation while the relative remains in the United States. Interviews, standardized assessments, observations, and reviewed records support the findings. The legal standard is exceptional hardship; your attorney determines eligibility and filing strategy.
Who is evaluated, and how does the process work?
For this hardship service, the evaluee is the qualifying U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or child. The evaluation focuses on that relative rather than the J-1 applicant. We review the referral question and available records, conduct the interview by secure Google Meet, and select assessments for the person’s age and clinical presentation. Minor evaluations require an individual plan approved by the Clinical Lead. Every report receives clinical review and co-signature before release. Direct interviews are available in English and Spanish; professional interpretation in other languages is quoted separately.
What does the I-612 evaluation cost?
The I-612 exceptional hardship evaluation starts at $750. Standard report turnaround is 5-7 days. Rush service adds $300 for 72 hours, $500 for 48 hours, or $900 for 24 hours, subject to availability. Complexity, additional work, or interpretation can change the total; we confirm the exact fee in writing before engagement. The client pays Kipu Terra directly for the evaluation.
What does the evaluation process involve?
The attorney's referral identifies the evaluation focus and the person to be evaluated. We conduct the interview by secure, HIPAA-compliant Google Meet and select assessments suited to the person's age and case type. Two clinicians review and co-sign the report before it goes to the referring attorney or office.
Clinical Interview
One or more sessions by secure, HIPAA-compliant Google Meet with the person being evaluated. The interview covers personal history, current symptoms, daily functioning, and the concerns identified in the attorney's referral.
Standardized Assessments
Standardized measures are selected for the person's age, symptoms, language, and case type. Adult hardship and VAWA evaluations use different protocols. Evaluations of minors follow the firm's minor-evaluee protocol with Clinical Lead approval.
Forensic Report
A 15-to-25-page forensic report with interview analysis, clinical observations, assessment results, and DSM-5-TR diagnostic impressions when supported by the evidence.
Dual-Clinician Review
Every report is reviewed and co-signed by our independently licensed Clinical Lead before release, ensuring clinical accuracy and forensic integrity.
What clinical standards back the report?
Each report uses an impartial forensic tone and identifies the sources for its clinical findings. Diagnostic impressions follow DSM-5-TR criteria when supported. The analysis addresses the clinical question in the attorney's referral. The Clinical Lead reviews and co-signs the report before release.
- Objective, forensic tone throughout the report
- Statement of impartiality and informed consent documented
- DSM-5-TR diagnostic impressions supported by clinical data
- Clinical analysis of the qualifying relative's hardship, tied to the attorney's referral question
- Dual-clinician co-signature on every report
Frequently asked questions
When does the rush deadline begin?
The clock starts after the final interview and receipt of all required assessments and records. Rush hours are elapsed hours, including weekends. Before you pay a rush surcharge, we confirm availability and the exact delivery date and time in writing. Every rush report still requires clinical review and co-signature before release.
Can the evaluation be prepared for an I-612 RFE?
Yes. We review the notice and available records to define the clinical questions the evaluation can address. An RFE may request evidence beyond a psychological report. Our evaluation does not replace a physician’s medical certificate or treating-provider evidence when those are required. Your attorney determines the legal response and supporting documents; Kipu Terra provides the clinical evaluation.
Does the report guarantee an I-612 waiver?
No. The report supplies impartial clinical evidence. It does not determine eligibility or guarantee a waiver, and we do not prepare immigration forms or personal declarations. The I-612 hardship service is distinct from the persecution basis and other J-1 waiver routes. Ask an immigration attorney which route and evidence apply to your situation.
Expedited report delivery
Standard processing takes 5-7 days. For faster delivery, add the following fee to your evaluation’s base price:
| Delivery time | Added to base price |
|---|---|
| 72 hours | +$300 |
| 48 hours | +$500 |
| 24 hours | +$900 |
Subject to availability. Timing begins after the final interview and receipt of all required assessments and records. We confirm the delivery date and time in writing before payment. Rush hours run continuously, including weekends. Every report requires clinical review and co-signature before release.
Sources
These agency documents describe legal requirements. Ask your referring attorney, or an immigration attorney if you are self-represented, which rules apply to your case. Kipu Terra provides the clinical evaluation, not legal advice.
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.