Immigration Psychological Evaluations
Bilingual (English/Spanish) immigration evaluations for:
- Hardship Waiver
- Asylum
- T-Visa
- U-Visa
- VAWA Evaluations
- Cancellation of Removal
Commonly Asked Questions
What are immigration evaluations?
An immigration evaluation is a type of mental health evaluation that utilizes clinical assessments for individuals who are navigating immigration proceedings with the goal of resolving their immigration status. Completion of an immigration evaluation does not guarantee that you will obtain citizenship, permanent resident status, or a visa to remain in the United States. But a psychological immigration evaluation can strengthen your immigration case by providing valuable evidence to support your claim in an immigration case. Immigration evaluations are an important part of the immigration proceedings because it not only describes the trauma the person may have experienced but also the psychological challenges that are related to their immigration status. In some cases, a psychological immigration evaluation may be the deciding factor in whether a petition is approved.
Immigration evaluation can:
A study published in 2021 shows that 81.6% of cases with immigration evaluations were approved (particularly asylum cases), which contrasts with the 42.4% national asylum grant rate (Atkinson, et. al., 2021). The cases in this study were twice as likely to be approved if a psychological immigration evaluation was present.
Professional Qualifications
Dr. Michelle Joaquin is a licensed psychologist with years of experience utilizing evidence-based practices to complete immigration evaluations. Dr. Joaquin is fluent in English and Spanish.
As a doctoral-level evaluation, Dr. Joaquin can include additional evidence-based and objective tests, such as testing for malingering and various psychometric tests, which not only strengthen immigration reports but also reveal individuals' psychological symptoms. Dr. Joaquin has extensive pre-licensure experience completing these evaluations under the supervision of clinical psychologists who specialize in immigration evaluations. She has over a decade of experience working with survivors of trauma, such as working as a forensic interviewer for cases with allegations of abuse. Dr. Joaquin has previously worked in interdisciplinary immigration clinic. She has completed these evaluations in settings such as private practice and academic settings. Dr. Joaquin has also been invited to present on working with immigrant and refugee population in various settings, such as USC Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx, New York, and the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology.
How much does an immigration evaluation cost?
The cost of an evaluation depends on the evaluation service selected, which ranges from $1,500 to $3,000. Emergency evaluations cost an additional $500. Emergency evaluations will be done within five days with the clinical interview typically being offered within 24-48 hours from when clients call to schedule and a written evaluation will be ready within 48 hours following the clinical interview. At this time, immigration evaluations are not covered by insurance. Methods of payment accepted include credit card or zelle.
What happens during an immigration evaluation?
Clients will meet with Dr. Joaquin who will administer measures and complete a clinical interview. She will perform an in-depth interview in which she will garner information that will be helpful to the client's immigration proceeding. Dr. Joaquin will provide the client with a strong and well-written report approximately 4 weeks after the evaluation.
An immigration evaluation is a type of mental health evaluation that utilizes clinical assessments for individuals who are navigating immigration proceedings with the goal of resolving their immigration status. Completion of an immigration evaluation does not guarantee that you will obtain citizenship, permanent resident status, or a visa to remain in the United States. But a psychological immigration evaluation can strengthen your immigration case by providing valuable evidence to support your claim in an immigration case. Immigration evaluations are an important part of the immigration proceedings because it not only describes the trauma the person may have experienced but also the psychological challenges that are related to their immigration status. In some cases, a psychological immigration evaluation may be the deciding factor in whether a petition is approved.
Immigration evaluation can:
- Document the effects of trauma the individual has experienced.
- Document the psychological effects of abuse or crime.
- Demonstrate the psychological impact and hardships if a loved one is deported.
- Demonstrate the individual's mental state.
A study published in 2021 shows that 81.6% of cases with immigration evaluations were approved (particularly asylum cases), which contrasts with the 42.4% national asylum grant rate (Atkinson, et. al., 2021). The cases in this study were twice as likely to be approved if a psychological immigration evaluation was present.
Professional Qualifications
Dr. Michelle Joaquin is a licensed psychologist with years of experience utilizing evidence-based practices to complete immigration evaluations. Dr. Joaquin is fluent in English and Spanish.
As a doctoral-level evaluation, Dr. Joaquin can include additional evidence-based and objective tests, such as testing for malingering and various psychometric tests, which not only strengthen immigration reports but also reveal individuals' psychological symptoms. Dr. Joaquin has extensive pre-licensure experience completing these evaluations under the supervision of clinical psychologists who specialize in immigration evaluations. She has over a decade of experience working with survivors of trauma, such as working as a forensic interviewer for cases with allegations of abuse. Dr. Joaquin has previously worked in interdisciplinary immigration clinic. She has completed these evaluations in settings such as private practice and academic settings. Dr. Joaquin has also been invited to present on working with immigrant and refugee population in various settings, such as USC Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx, New York, and the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology.
How much does an immigration evaluation cost?
The cost of an evaluation depends on the evaluation service selected, which ranges from $1,500 to $3,000. Emergency evaluations cost an additional $500. Emergency evaluations will be done within five days with the clinical interview typically being offered within 24-48 hours from when clients call to schedule and a written evaluation will be ready within 48 hours following the clinical interview. At this time, immigration evaluations are not covered by insurance. Methods of payment accepted include credit card or zelle.
What happens during an immigration evaluation?
Clients will meet with Dr. Joaquin who will administer measures and complete a clinical interview. She will perform an in-depth interview in which she will garner information that will be helpful to the client's immigration proceeding. Dr. Joaquin will provide the client with a strong and well-written report approximately 4 weeks after the evaluation.
How do I get an immigration evaluation?
If you or a loved one is navigating the immigration process and believe an immigration evaluation would benefit your case,
contact Dr. Joaquin to schedule your appointment: (347) 292-1040
contact Dr. Joaquin to schedule your appointment: (347) 292-1040