Immigration Evaluations Available Beginning January 2026

Immigration Evaluations

If you’re going through the immigration process and your attorney has recommended an immigration evaluation, I’m here to help. As an immigrant who has gone through the process myself, I understand how stressful, emotional, and overwhelming it can feel. My goal is to create a supportive, compassionate space where you can share your story openly and feel truly heard. During our meetings, we’ll talk about your background, experiences, and how your situation has affected your emotional well-being. I’ll then create a detailed report that helps your attorney present your case with clarity and care.

I provide evaluations for asylum, VAWA (Violence Against Women Act), U Visa, and hardship waiver cases. These evaluations are designed for individuals and families who have faced trauma, abuse, persecution, or who would experience significant emotional hardship if separated from loved ones. My approach is warm, respectful, and trauma-informed—helping you feel safe while ensuring your story is told with accuracy, empathy, and strength.

Schedule your 15-minute consultation!

What is an immigration evaluation and who is it for?

The immigration evaluation process begins with a 15-minute consultation to see if it feels like a good fit—because it’s important to work with someone you feel comfortable and supported by. From there, the process includes two clinical interviews, each lasting about 50–60 minutes, where you’ll have the opportunity to share your story in a safe, compassionate space. During these interviews, we’ll talk about your personal history, experiences, and how the immigration situation has affected your emotional and mental well-being. In some cases, you may also be asked to complete standardized assessments that help provide additional insight into your emotional functioning and overall mental health. This helps create a clear and accurate understanding of your unique circumstances and ensures your story is represented with depth and care.

The process also includes a review of any additional documents provided by you or your attorney to make sure every important detail is included. A comprehensive evaluation report is then prepared to clearly explain the findings and professional impressions. Throughout the process, there is open communication with you and your lawyer to ensure the report supports your case effectively and with empathy.

What is the immigration evaluation process like?


Simranjit (Sonia) Chavez

MA, LMHC

Sonia (she/her) specializes in therapy for overthinkers and deep feelers, supporting clients through life transitions, relationship changes, and personal growth. She is passionate about working with immigrant and BIPOC communities, offering a warm, culturally affirming space for healing and growth.

Learn more about Sonia here!

Why would you need an immigration evaluation?

  • Asylum

    An asylum case is for individuals who fled their home country due to persecution or fear of harm. The immigration evaluation gathers their story—life before leaving, the events that led to departure, and challenges since. It documents the emotional impact of these experiences and provides a professional report showing how trauma and fear have affected mental health and well-being.

  • VAWA (Violence Against Women Act)

    A VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) case is for individuals who have experienced abuse by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or child. The evaluation explores the history of the relationship, experiences of abuse, and emotional effects, resulting in a report that highlights the psychological impact, resilience, and need for safety.

  • U Visa

    A U Visa is for individuals who have been victims of certain crimes in the U.S. and cooperated with law enforcement. The evaluation documents the person’s story, including the crime and its emotional impact, and provides a report that describes the psychological effects of trauma while highlighting strength and recovery.

  • Hardship Waiver

    A hardship waiver is for individuals seeking to prevent the deportation of a family member by demonstrating that separation would cause extreme hardship. The evaluation explores family relationships, life circumstances, and emotional impact, producing a report that shows the depth of the family’s bond and the importance of staying together.

Services and Fees

  • Immigration Evaluation

    $1200*
    The immigration evaluation includes required interviews, assessments, document review, and communication with your attorney.

    *Payment plan available. See our FAQs for more details.