Extreme Hardship Waiver (I-601 / I-601A) Psychological Evaluation​

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An Extreme Hardship Waiver Psychological Evaluation provides professional documentation to support immigration cases where a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident would suffer extreme emotional, psychological, or financial hardship if a family member were denied legal status or removed from the country.

 

These evaluations are often a key part of I-601 and I-601A hardship waiver applications, helping attorneys and immigration officials understand the emotional impact that family separation or relocation would have on the qualifying relative. Conducted by a licensed psychologist, this assessment provides objective, compassionate, and evidence-based insight into how an individual’s mental health and overall functioning would be affected under such circumstances.

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The goal is not to determine whether someone “passes” or “fails,” but to provide a detailed clinical perspective that supports fair consideration of the family’s circumstances under U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) guidelines.

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Purpose and Benefits of a Hardship Waiver Evaluation

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An I-601 or I-601A psychological evaluation offers clear, credible evidence that can significantly strengthen a hardship waiver application. Key benefits include:

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• Emotional Impact Documentation: Provides a detailed clinical description of the psychological distress, anxiety, depression, or trauma the qualifying relative would likely experience due to separation or relocation.

• Humanizing the Case: Translates personal hardship into clinical language that immigration officers can recognize as genuine emotional and psychological suffering.

• Support for Legal Arguments: Gives attorneys credible, professional evidence that aligns with USCIS standards for hardship evaluation.

• Treatment and Stability Planning: Includes recommendations to help clients access emotional support and mental health services during the legal process.

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By clearly explaining the emotional and mental health impact of family separation, these evaluations help ensure that each case is considered with compassion and accuracy.

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Steps and Process of the Evaluation

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Our Extreme Hardship Waiver Evaluations are confidential, trauma-informed, and structured to meet legal and documentation requirements for immigration cases. The process includes:

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• Referral and Scheduling: Your immigration attorney or legal representative may refer you for a psychological evaluation, or you can contact our office directly. Appointments are available statewide in California via secure telehealth or in person.

• Clinical Interview: During your session, a licensed psychologist will meet with you to discuss your family relationships, emotional and financial situation, health concerns, and the potential effects of separation or relocation.

• Standardized Questionnaires: You may complete psychological assessments to measure symptoms of stress, anxiety, or depression that help support the clinical findings.

• Review and Interpretation: The psychologist reviews all information to create a comprehensive understanding of your emotional functioning and the potential hardship you would face.

• Report and Feedback: A detailed report is written for your attorney and tailored to the specific requirements of your hardship waiver petition. Most reports are completed within one to two weeks to avoid delays in your case.

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What the Evaluation Addresses

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An Extreme Hardship Waiver Psychological Evaluation often explores:

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• Emotional or psychological distress caused by family separation

• The impact of losing emotional or financial support from a spouse or parent

• Effects on children, caregivers, or dependents

• Medical or mental health conditions that would worsen under separation or relocation

• Cultural, social, or community ties in the United States

• Coping capacity and availability of support systems abroad

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These factors are analyzed within a clinical framework to help demonstrate the true depth of hardship faced by the qualifying relative.

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What to Expect and How to Schedule

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The evaluation process is supportive, respectful, and focused on helping you tell your story clearly and professionally. You do not need to prepare extensively, but reflecting on your family relationships, emotional experiences, and concerns about separation can be helpful.

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To schedule your appointment, complete the contact form on our website or email our office directly. If your immigration attorney has submitted a referral, we will contact you within a few business days to arrange your session.

 

Evaluations are available throughout California via secure telehealth and in person for local clients. Our reports meet USCIS documentation standards and are written to be both clinically sound and legally persuasive - helping families stay together and move forward with hope and stability.

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Fee Statement – Extreme Hardship

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The fee for an Extreme Hardship Psychological Evaluation ranges from $900 to $1,400, depending on the complexity of the case and the level of documentation required.

• Standard Evaluations ($900–$1,000):
  This rate applies to straightforward cases involving one clinical interview and a clearly defined hardship narrative. The report includes a psychosocial assessment, relevant diagnostic impressions, and a detailed explanation of the emotional and psychological factors that would contribute to extreme hardship if family separation or relocation occurred. Spanish translator available.

• Comprehensive Evaluations ($1,100–$1,400):
  This range applies to more complex cases that involve multiple family members, co-occurring disorders (such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or chronic stress), multiple interviews, or extensive documentation and record review. These evaluations require greater clinical depth, analysis, and documentation to fully capture the psychological and functional implications of hardship for the client and their family. Spanish translator available.

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All Extreme Hardship evaluations include:

• One or more clinical interviews conducted via secure telehealth.

• Review of relevant records, supporting documentation, or collateral input (as applicable).

• A detailed written report addressing psychological symptoms, functional impact, and emotional hardship criteria consistent with immigration guidelines.

• One follow-up consultation with the client or attorney to clarify findings.

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