What Questions Are Asked in an Immigration Psychological Evaluation?

You have an immigration psychological evaluation coming up and you do not know what I will ask. This article lists the kinds of questions, why each one matters, and how to get ready. No evaluation can promise a result.

What kind of conversation this is

First, it helps to know what kind of conversation this is. It is a structured interview with a purpose and a direction, but it is not an interrogation. You do not need perfect answers or the right order.

My job is to help you explain what happened and how it has affected you. I am not trying to catch you in a contradiction. If something is hard to remember or painful, say so. I know how to work with that.

General questions at the start

Most evaluations start with background questions about who you are and what kind of case you have:

• What brought you to this evaluation?
• What type of immigration case are you working on?
• Are you working with an attorney?
• Where are you from, and how long have you been in the United States?
• Who is in your family, and who do you live with?
• What is your work, education, or daily life like right now?

Questions about mental health and daily functioning

Every evaluation includes questions about how you are doing, in your body, your mood, and your daily life:

• How has this immigration situation affected your mood, sleep, appetite, or energy?
• Do you have anxiety, panic attacks, or constant worry?
• Do you have nightmares, crying spells, or memories that come back?
• How has this affected your relationships, with your spouse, children, or family?
• Has it affected your work, school, or ability to get through the day?
• Have you received therapy, counseling, or mental health treatment before?

Questions specific to trauma or crime-related cases

For asylum, VAWA, U visa, or T visa cases, I also ask what happened and how it has affected you:

• Can you tell me what happened and when?
• How did you feel during that experience, and how do you feel looking back now?
• Did you feel safe telling anyone about what happened? Why or why not?
• Are there things that remind you of what happened? How do those reminders affect you?
• Do you feel safe now? What are your fears looking ahead?

For trauma cases, I ask these questions slowly and carefully. You can take breaks, ask me to repeat something, or say when it is hard.

Questions specific to hardship cases

For hardship waivers, cancellation of removal, and other family cases, the questions focus on your family member and your family:

• What does daily life look like for your family right now?
• What would change if you or your family member had to leave?
• How are your children doing emotionally, in school, and socially?
• What responsibilities or caregiving would be lost?
• What are you or your family member most afraid would happen?
• Would relocation be realistic? What would the challenges be?

How to prepare

You do not need to memorize anything or practice answers. The best preparation is to think through your situation in a general way. Think about your family, your daily life, what has changed, and what worries you most. If you have an attorney, they may ask you to review parts of your case first.

If you would like more detail on the full evaluation process from start to finish, see what to expect in an immigration psychological evaluation interview.