Evaluations

To be evaluated, you must be referred by the attorney handling your immigration case. Your lawyer will determine the type of visa for which you are eligible to apply. The information provided in this section is for informational purposes and is subject to change. Your lawyer is the right person to let you know and talk about any questions or concerns you may have about your particular legal situation.

Extreme Hardship Evaluations

Evaluations are for individuals with a spouse, parent, or fiancé who is a U.S. legal permanent resident or citizen and would face severe hardship if the individual is not admitted.

VAWA Evaluations

Evaluations for spouses, children, and parents abused by a US citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR). Abuse may be physical, psychological, sexual, or mental, and the victim must have lived with the abuser.

U-visa Evaluation

These evaluations serve individuals who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. The U nonimmigrant status (U-Visa) is for victims of certain crimes who have suffered physical or mental abuse and assisted law enforcement in investigations or prosecutions.

Asylum Evaluations

Asylum evaluations are conducted for individuals who meet the definition of a refugee under the Immigration and Nationality Act, which requires a well-founded fear of persecution due to one of the five protected grounds: race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or social group membership.

T-visa Evaluation

Evaluations should focus on human trafficking victims in the U.S. who have assisted law enforcement in their cases (adults only) and face extreme harm if deported.

 FAQs

  • Dr. Vega conducts forensic mental health evaluations through one-on-one interviews and various assessments to determine an applicant’s psychological state for immigration support. He combines interview results and assessments to create credible reports, potentially supplemented by additional testing based on individual circumstances. Evaluations include document reviews, personal and family history, mental status, and objective tools to assess cognitive and psychological distress, while emphasizing personal narratives. This comprehensive approach highlights hardship and psychological distress, which is crucial for immigration applications, as a lack of evaluation can lead to denials. Dr. Vega's experience as a trauma-informed psychotherapist enhances his understanding of the impacts of loss and abuse in his assessments.

  • Dr. Vega uses evidence-based techniques to assess each applicant's mental health and needs. He conducts comfortable interviews to gather relevant information for their case. Then, he collaborates with the attorney to address the applicant's immigration challenges.

  • The report usually takes 3 to 4 weeks post-interview for Dr. Vega's draft. Expedited evaluations are available for an extra fee with a 1-week turnaround.

  • Dr. Vega conducts his evaluations through HIPAA-approved video conferencing.

  • If you search the cost of forensic mental health evaluations for immigration visas, you will find that fees range from $1,000 to $1,500. However, Dr. Vega offers a standard price of $750 for each evaluation. Additionally, the client could bring a deposit on the first appointment of $195 and make three more weekly payments of $185. The evaluation will be turned over to the lawyer once the client completes the last payment. Dr. Vega accepts cash, credit cards, Zelle, and PayPal as forms of payment. Payment plans, reduced rates, and pro bono evaluations are available in some cases. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact me or visit my profile in the Immigration Evaluation Therapists Directory.