Extreme Hardship Waivers
I-601 and I-601A - Extreme Hardship Waivers
At Pro Psychological Analysis, our psychological evaluations for I-601 and I-601A extreme-hardship waivers help establish the central question: that a qualifying relative would face extreme hardship if the applicant were removed or denied admission — that the family system would not remain viable through separation or relocation. We document the family's circumstances and the hardship each option would create; stress-related symptoms and mental-health factors are part of that picture but secondary to showing that separation or relocation is unfeasible. Interpreter access is available when needed, and every evaluation is conducted by a licensed psychologist.
- We document the family's history, medical needs, financial circumstances, and the hardship that separation or relocation would create.
- For I-601A waivers, we examine in depth how the family would be affected by separation, and the current family dynamics and stability.
- We document trauma, PTSD, and other clinically significant effects using validated, standardized instruments.
- Each evaluation is scoped to the case and its legal purpose, with interpreter access when needed, while the findings remain independent.
Request a psychological evaluation for a hardship waiver case.
Frequently asked
questions
A psychological evaluation is a crucial piece of evidence for immigration authorities. It provides a third-party, professional account on how the family is impacted by the potential removal of their family member, or their inadmissibility to the United States. We usually interview U.S. citizen spouses, but we can also work with the undocumented applicant’s children or parents.
A psychological evaluation gives immigration authorities an independent, professional account of the extreme hardship a qualifying relative would face if the family were separated or forced to relocate. It documents the effects of that separation or relocation objectively, so the findings stand on their own.
Anyone submitting an I-601 or I-601A waiver who must extreme hardship benefits from a psychological evaluation. Our evaluations are an additional, but important, piece of evidence you may submit to immigration authorities as objective, independent evidence.
Depending on the complexity of the case, we may hold multiple interviews with the applicant’s family member. We usually work with U.S. citizen spouses, but we may interview the applicant’s children or parents if required. During these interviews, we gather information about their current family dynamic, their expenses, and their medical history. If submitting an I-601 Waiver, we address the effects of the separation. Our psychologists will also evaluate any emotional impact, including symptoms of post-traumatic disorder, anxiety, depression, or other related psychological conditions. The evaluation is conducted ethically, professionally, and with sensitivity to the applicant’s situation.
Our team of psychologists is trained in the immigration standards, ensuring all psychological evaluations are tailored to the specific process. We work closely with attorneys to ensure that our evaluations meet the specific criteria required for each case.