A U-Visa mental health evaluation is a clinical assessment that documents the mental and emotional harm a victim of a qualifying crime has suffered, supporting the "substantial physical or mental abuse" requirement of Form I-918. Amrinderjit Singh, LCSW conducts U-Visa evaluations by telehealth in 9 states, in English, Punjabi, or Hindi.
The element a clinical evaluation addresses
U nonimmigrant status is available to victims of qualifying crimes — including domestic violence, sexual assault, felonious assault, trafficking, and others — who have been, are being, or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement. Petitioners must show they suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of the crime.
USCIS weighs factors such as the nature of the injury, the severity of the perpetrator's conduct, the severity of the harm, how long it lasted, and whether it aggravated a pre-existing condition. The evaluation is organized around those same factors, so the attorney can connect clinical findings directly to the legal standard.
What the report covers
- The client's account of the crime and its aftermath, gathered through a trauma-informed interview.
- Current symptoms measured with validated screening instruments.
- Duration and persistence of harm — including effects that continue years after the crime.
- Aggravation of any pre-existing mental health conditions.
- Functional impact on work, family, parenting, and daily life.
- DSM-5-TR diagnoses where clinically supported, and treatment recommendations.
Supporting an I-192 waiver
Many U-Visa petitioners also file Form I-192 to waive grounds of inadmissibility. Clinical documentation of the petitioner's trauma, treatment needs, and family circumstances can support the discretionary and humanitarian factors in that waiver.
Timing
Standard turnaround is 10–15 business days from the session; 7-business-day expedited service is available. Because U-Visa petitions often wait for law enforcement certification, attorneys frequently schedule the evaluation while the certification request is pending.
Available in 9 states
Evaluations are conducted by secure telehealth for clients physically located in any of these states at the time of the session:
Frequently asked questions
Does a mental health evaluation replace the law enforcement certification?
No. Form I-918 Supplement B must still be signed by a certifying agency. The evaluation addresses a different element — the substantial physical or mental abuse the victim suffered.
Does the crime have to be recent?
No. Many U-Visa petitions involve crimes that happened years ago. The evaluation documents both the original impact and the effects that persist today.
Can the evaluation address a condition that existed before the crime?
Yes. Aggravation of a pre-existing condition is one of the factors USCIS considers, and the report addresses it directly when relevant.
Written by Amrinderjit Singh, LCSW · Last updated September 2026. This page describes clinical services and is not legal advice; eligibility questions should be directed to an immigration attorney.