Extreme Hardship Waiver Psychological Evaluations (I-601 & I-601A)

Over the years, we have, as a counseling practice, continued to build education in conducting immigration evaluations. We have learned that for many immigration waiver cases, the difference between approval and denial comes down to one question: can you demonstrate that a qualifying relative would suffer extreme hardship? An immigration evaluation from a licensed clinician provides the objective, professional documentation that gives that argument weight.

At Santos Counseling PLLC, Dr. Juan Santos conducts court-ready hardship evaluations for immigration attorneys and their clients throughout North Carolina in English or Spanish, in person in Greensboro or by secure video statewide. 

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Why Trust Santos Counseling For Your Immigration Evaluation

Dr. Juan Santos oversees the immigration evaluation program at Santos Counseling, providing advanced training and clinical guidance to the team. His expertise in immigration psychological evaluations has been recognized through presentations at national conferences, helping shape best practices in the field. Under his leadership, our clinicians are trained to provide thorough, evidence-based evaluations that meet professional and legal standards.

What Is an Extreme Hardship Evaluation?

When a family member faces removal or is applying for an immigration waiver (Form I-601 or I-601A), immigration law often requires showing that a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or parent would experience hardship. A mental health evaluation documents the emotional, psychological, and functional impact connected to depression, anxiety, trauma, the effect on children, and caregiving burdens.

This is a service that Santos Counseling has conducted for over a decade. We actively work with immigration attorneys in North Carolina as well as with those throughout the United States.

What the Immigration Evaluation Includes

• One or more clinical interview sessions with the qualifying relative (and, when relevant, the applicant)
• Standardized, evidence-based mental health assessments appropriate to the case
• A comprehensive written report (typically 10–30 pages) prepared for the legal standard your immigration attorney is arguing
• Direct coordination with your attorney so the report addresses the elements of the waiver

For Attorneys

If you are an immigration attorney, please know that we aim to work as an extension of your legal team. Our goal is to support the client and meet the turnaround time. Since 2014, we have conducted evaluations and served the Greensboro and surrounding Triad, North Carolina area. Our immigration evaluations are research-based and professionally written.

Bilingual Immigration Evaluations

At Santos Counseling, we provide Immigration evaluations that are conducted in English or Spanish with no interpreter required. For Spanish-speaking families, this means the clinical picture is captured accurately and with cultural understanding. We understand how this matters both for the quality of the immigration evaluation and for the family’s comfort during a stressful process.

Common Questions About Waivers