What Is an Extreme Hardship Evaluation and How Can a Licensed Therapist Help With Your Immigration Case?
If you or a loved one is facing the possibility of deportation, you may have been told that you need an Extreme Hardship Evaluation to support a waiver application. As a licensed therapist in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida, I specialize in providing psychological evaluations for immigration cases, including hardship waivers based on extreme emotional, medical, or psychological hardship.
What Is an Extreme Hardship Evaluation?
An Extreme Hardship Evaluation is a psychological assessment prepared by a licensed mental health professional to support certain immigration waivers—such as the I-601 or I-601A waiver. This evaluation documents how the qualifying relative (usually a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident) would experience extraordinary emotional, psychological, medical, or financial hardship if their loved one were deported or denied reentry into the U.S.
These evaluations are used to support immigration petitions by showing that the hardship is not just typical or expected—but extreme and well beyond what most families would experience in a similar situation.
When Is an Extreme Hardship Evaluation Needed?
An extreme hardship psychological evaluation is often requested in the following cases:
I-601 / I-601A Waivers (for unlawful presence or other inadmissibility grounds)
Cancellation of Removal proceedings
212(h) or 212(i) waivers
Any case requiring proof that a U.S. citizen or permanent resident will suffer if their loved one is removed or denied legal status
The evaluation focuses on how separation or relocation would impact the U.S.-based family member’s:
Mental health
Medical care
Financial stability
Social and familial support system
Ability to function or care for others
What Does the Evaluation Include?
As your therapist, I will provide a detailed and legally-informed psychological evaluation that includes:
A comprehensive clinical interview (1–2 sessions)
Review of relevant documentation (e.g., medical or mental health records, financial information)
Administration of psychological assessments if needed (e.g., depression, anxiety, PTSD screenings)
Clear documentation of the qualifying relative’s vulnerabilities, history of trauma or illness, and the anticipated impact of removal or relocation
An objective, USCIS-ready report that aligns with immigration law standards
All evaluations are trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and written in a neutral and professional tone appropriate for legal proceedings.
How I Help With Your Hardship Waiver Case
I am a licensed therapist with experience conducting psychological evaluations for a wide range of immigration cases. Here's how I support you through the process:
Licensed in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida
Virtual evaluations available statewide
Evaluations typically completed in 3 weeks, but expedited services are available when needed
I work directly with your immigration attorney to ensure the evaluation aligns with the legal framework of your case
I take time to understand each client’s unique story and challenges to prepare the strongest possible evaluation
Therapists unfamiliar with the immigration process may not know how to structure a report that meets legal and evidentiary standards. I have completed specialized training through the Immigration Evaluation Training Center, equipping me with the skills to write evaluations that are both clinically sound and legally relevant. I have experience working with U visa, VAWA, T visa, and hardship waivers, and I understand exactly what immigration attorneys and USCIS expect from a well-prepared evaluation.
What Sets an Extreme Hardship Apart?
To meet the USCIS standard of “extreme hardship,” the situation must be more severe than the normal distress families face during separation. That’s why a licensed therapist’s evaluation is critical—it helps demonstrate:
Documented history of mental illness, PTSD, anxiety, or depression
Dependency on the immigrant family member for emotional, physical, or financial support
Inability to relocate due to medical needs, disability, or caregiving responsibilities
Loss of stability or access to treatment if forced to move to another country
The compounded effect of multiple hardships that elevate the situation beyond normal separation
Ready to Start Your Evaluation?
If you’ve been asked to provide evidence of extreme hardship for your immigration waiver, I’m here to help. I understand the urgency, complexity, and sensitivity involved in these cases. Together, we’ll create a professional, compassionate, and effective evaluation to support your case.
📍 Serving clients in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida
🖥️ Virtual appointments available for your convenience
📩 Click the button below to schedule your free phone consultation
