Immigration evaluation fees and turnaround
A psychosocial (mental health) evaluation for an asylum, VAWA, T visa, U visa, or hardship waiver case typically costs between $900 and $1,800, depending on the case type. It is for people going through one of these cases and for the attorneys who represent them. Evaluations are conducted remotely, and standard turnaround is usually 2–3 weeks from completed intake and document receipt. To start, check case fit or book a free 15-minute fit call.
How much does an immigration evaluation cost?
The fee depends first on the case type. Each range below is the typical fee for that kind of evaluation and its report. Fees are confirmed in writing after case type, deadline, scope, jurisdiction, interpreter needs, and testimony needs are reviewed.
| Case type | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Asylum / EOIR | $1,200–$1,800 | Multi-session evaluation; trauma, disclosure, and contextual analysis. |
| VAWA | $1,000–$1,500 | Coercive control, abuse history, emotional and mental health impact, and functioning. |
| T Visa | $1,000–$1,500 | Trafficking trauma, coercion, vulnerability, and recovery context. |
| U Visa | $900–$1,400 | Substantial mental/physical abuse and current functioning. |
| Hardship Waiver | $900–$1,400 | Family separation, caregiving, hardship impact, and context. |
| Rush | +$300–$500 | Depending on deadline and availability. |
| Testimony | Quoted separately | Fee schedule provided at engagement. |
Rush and testimony fees are confirmed separately in writing.
Why the confirmed fee can differ within a range
Case type and scope
Each case type asks different questions of the evaluation. An asylum evaluation, for example, is a multi-session evaluation with trauma, disclosure, and contextual analysis.
Deadline
A filing or hearing deadline shapes the schedule. When the deadline is close, rush turnaround adds $300–$500, depending on deadline and availability.
Jurisdiction, interpreters, testimony
Venue, language access, and whether testimony may be needed are reviewed before the fee is confirmed. Testimony is quoted separately.
How long the evaluation takes
Standard turnaround is usually 2–3 weeks from completed intake and document receipt. The time runs from the point when intake is complete and the documents have arrived, so a deadline should be raised at the first contact.
Rush turnaround is available at +$300–$500, depending on deadline and availability. Master-calendar timelines are flagged at fit check so scheduling is realistic.
What the evaluation includes
- Trauma-informed interviews over more than one session, with interpreter planning where needed.
- A clinical interview and trauma-informed psychosocial history.
- CIAS contextual analysis: cultural, developmental, economic, and U.S. climate factors.
- Functioning, coping, symptom impact, and prognosis.
- A draft for attorney review of factual, jurisdictional, and privilege-related corrections. Clinical opinions are not altered on request.
Nonprofit and legal-aid referrals
A sliding scale may be available for qualifying nonprofit legal-aid referrals. Please note in the inquiry:
- Nonprofit or pro bono status.
- Funding source.
- Case posture.
With that information, a fee can be discussed at fit check.
Please do not send case materials yet
The first inquiry needs only the case type, deadline, venue, interpreter needs, and nonprofit or legal-aid referral status. Do not send declarations, medical records, protected health information, or privileged strategy until secure intake is confirmed.
For individuals
The ranges above are the typical fees for each case type. The first conversation is a free 15-minute fit call about the case type, deadline, and whether an evaluation is appropriate before any documents are exchanged.
An attorney matters in these cases. If you do not have one yet, read what to do first. People filing a VAWA self-petition can work with me directly; the VAWA page explains how.
For attorneys
Fees are confirmed in writing after the fit check. Testimony is offered for EOIR merits hearings and related proceedings, where scheduling allows, and is quoted separately at engagement. Each report is signed under penalty of perjury. Please flag the deadline, venue, interpreter needs, and any nonprofit or legal-aid status at inquiry.
Questions about fees and turnaround
How much does an immigration evaluation cost?
Typical fees range from $900 to $1,800, depending on the case type: Asylum / EOIR $1,200–$1,800; VAWA $1,000–$1,500; T Visa $1,000–$1,500; U Visa $900–$1,400; Hardship Waiver $900–$1,400. Fees are confirmed in writing after case type, deadline, scope, jurisdiction, interpreter needs, and testimony needs are reviewed.
How long does the evaluation take?
Standard turnaround is usually 2–3 weeks from completed intake and document receipt.
Is rush turnaround available?
Yes. Rush turnaround adds $300–$500, depending on deadline and availability.
Is testimony included in the fee?
No. Testimony is quoted separately at engagement and confirmed in writing. The fee schedule is provided at engagement.
Is a sliding scale available?
A sliding scale may be available for qualifying nonprofit legal-aid referrals. Please note nonprofit or pro bono status, funding source, and case posture in the inquiry so a fee can be discussed at fit check.
Is the first conversation free?
Yes. The fit call is a free 15-minute call to discuss case type, jurisdiction, deadline, and whether an evaluation is appropriate before any documents are exchanged.
Are evaluations in person?
Evaluations are conducted remotely. Please share the venue at inquiry so jurisdiction-specific considerations can be flagged.
I do not have an attorney yet. Where should I start?
An attorney matters in these cases. The page on finding an attorney lists places to look. People filing a VAWA self-petition can work with me directly.
Ready to discuss a case?
Please do not send confidential case materials through the first inquiry.