Hardship & Asylum Immigration Evaluation Services

 

  • Immigration evaluations are comprehensive psychological evaluations that are used in immigration cases to help the court determine whether a person can legally stay in the United States.

    Immigration evaluations are critical in explaining the mental health state of the applicant. They are useful in describing the trauma applicants have experienced and the long term psychological challenges related to their immigration status. Whereas hardship evaluations can describe the negative impact that would be experienced if a family member were to be deported.

  • Ms. Myers, LCSW offers the following Immigration Evaluations:

    Political Asylum: for individuals who are seeking asylum from their country of origin due to mistreatment or abuse based on their political beliefs, religious affiliation, ethnic identity, or gender.

    Violence against Women Act (VAWA): for undocumented individuals who have experienced abuse by their spouse who is a U.S. Citizen.

    U -Visa: for victims of violent crimes in the U.S. who have suffered mental or physical harm and are assisting law enforcement.

    T-Visa: For victims of human trafficking (and their immediate family) if they agree to assist law enforcement.

    Hardship Waivers: A citizen or resident of the United States applies for a waiver because the deportation of a family member will cause extreme hardship for themselves or their family.

  • The evaluation involves comprehensive in-depth interviews with you and depending on the evaluation, members of your immediate family.

    The evaluation process typically consists of:

    2-6 hours for clinical interviewing depending on client needs.

    2 hours for psychometric tests, scoring, and interpreting

    2 hours for reporting and filing

    The interviews occur over the course of two to three meetings which are approximately 60-90 minutes each. The clinical interview will consist of questions about the applicant, and issues specific to the their immigration case. It may also be necessary to speak with others familiar with the case to provide additional relevant information. In addition, diagnostics tools/measures will be used during the course of the assessment.

    Ms. Myers uses evidence practices to explore the applicant’s mental health and hardships. Her interviews go at the pace that the applicant is comfortable with, as she seeks to capture as much information as possible to support the applicant’s case.

    It is important to note, that while a psychological evaluation can greatly increase an applicant’s chance to remain in the United States, Ms. Myers makes no guarantees regarding the outcome of the case. However, She will work closely with the attorney to articulate the applicant’s immigration challenges.

    The report can vary from 10-20+ pages depending on the case circumstances . The typical time-frame for a completed evaluation and report can be between 7-14 days, depending on need. Delays with final evaluation report can be affected by complexity of case and/or final payment completion, applicants will be notified in the event of any delays. Expedited services are available for an additional cost.

    Clients are able to come to the office or evaluations can be conducted via a HIPAA compliant video chat platform.

  • All evaluations are completed in English. If an interpreter is needed, please ensure the use of a certified medical/court interpreter. For clients who need an interpreter, the costs associated with these services will be covered by the patient.

  • Immigration Evaluations base fee is $600.00.

    Additional fees associated with your case could include:

    • Interpreter services (provided by client)

    • Expedited reports (within a week of the last office visit). There is an additional $200 required in addition to the base fee

    • If we need to provide court services, consultation fees apply.

    Court/Legal Fees Legal consultation, report writing, correspondence, and telephone contact for legal action are billed at $350 per hour for all clinicians. Payment in full is requested prior to releasing the prepared letters and reports in legal matters.

    If called to testify in court, the fee for this service is $350 per hour with a 4-hour minimum ($1,400 retainer due at time of subpoena) within a 40-mile radius and an 8-hour minimum for travel beyond a 40-mile radius with travel time billed at the same rate. Preparation will also be billed at this rate. Mileage charges will be added at the standard IRS rate. Overnight lodging, if necessary, will be billed as well. All time for court preparation, including conversations with attorneys, research, and report preparation is billed at the same $350 per hour rate.

    Payment Plans

    An active and current credit card is required on file. Due to the short term nature of the evaluation, the full payment is due at the time of service. If a payment plan is needed, half of the fee is due to hold the appointment. And, the other half is due at the time of the appointment.

    Credit cards will not be charged without permission and appropriate documentation/consent forms will be required in order to secure your appointment.

    In the event that your evaluation needs to be expedited, the additional fee will be included in the payment plan.

    There is a 48-hour cancellation policy in effect for Immigration Evaluations. If the appointment is cancelled or rescheduled with less than 48-hours notice, you will be subject to a $150 fee. If you do not show up and do not call (no call/ no show) for your appointment, you will be charged $250.

    In all cases, the card on file will be charged. Your appointment is just for you and they are not always able to be filled with short notice.

    Payment Types: We accept cash, all major credit cards/debit, and cash apps (Zelle , Venmo & PayPal) as forms of payment.

  • To schedule an appointment or speak with Ms. Myers, LCSW regarding Immigration Evaluation services please contact our office at (315) 323-7893.