Immigration Evaluations
Immigration Psychological Evaluations in San Diego, California
Immigration laws place the burden of proof on the applicant or beneficiary to show psychological distress. This is often aided by a psychological assessment or expert testimony by a mental health professional. A thorough, well-written evaluation by a qualified forensic psychologist can be the difference between approval and denial.
Since 2007, we at Shibley Psychology have conducted over 4,000 evaluations for USCIS and Immigration Court. Our practice is led by Dr. Mariela G. Shibley, a licensed forensic psychologist, nationally recognized expert in immigration evaluations, and author of the best-selling book: Conducting Immigration Evaluations: A Practical Guide for Mental Health Professionals (Routledge, 2022). Dr. Shibley has trained many of the clinicians currently conducting immigration evaluations in San Diego and is the go-to resource for mental health professionals across the country seeking to develop competency in this specialty. She is the founder of PsychEvalCoach and a regular presenter at conferences of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and the Federal Bar Association Immigration Law Section.
We work with both attorneys and clients directly, and we conduct evaluations in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and other languages. We also conduct evaluations at detention facilities.
Types of Evaluations We Conduct
Hardship Waivers (I-601, I-601A, Cancellation of Removal) A qualifying U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member is evaluated to document the extreme hardship they would experience if separated from their loved one. The evaluation addresses emotional, financial, medical, and psychological impact.
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Individuals who have experienced abuse by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse or family member may petition for legal status independently. The evaluation documents the nature, frequency, and severity of the abuse and its psychological impact on the applicant.
U-Visa Victims of qualifying crimes who have cooperated or are willing to cooperate with law enforcement are evaluated to document how the crime has affected their psychological functioning and daily life.
T-Visa Survivors of human trafficking are evaluated to document the psychological impact of the trafficking experience and the extreme hardship they would face if removed from the United States.
Asylum / Convention Against Torture (CAT) Individuals who have been persecuted in their home country due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group are evaluated to document how that persecution has affected their mental health and psychological functioning.
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) Minors who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned are evaluated to support their petition for special immigrant juvenile status. These evaluations require particular sensitivity and expertise in working with children and adolescents.
Competency Evaluations (Matter of M-A-M-) Respondents in immigration proceedings who may lack the mental competency to represent themselves are evaluated under the legal framework established in Matter of M-A-M-. Dr. Shibley is one of a small number of psychologists in San Diego with expertise in this specialized area.
N-648 — Medical Certification for Disability Exception Applicants who have a physical, developmental, or mental health condition that prevents them from meeting the English language or civics requirements for naturalization may qualify for an exemption. The evaluation includes cognitive testing and a clinical interview to document the nature and impact of the condition.
Adam Walsh Act Waiver U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents with certain criminal convictions who wish to petition for a family member may require a psychological evaluation as part of the waiver process.
What legal professionals say
“I have referred a significant number of clients to Dr. Shibley as she is an absolutely outstanding professional. She exudes compassion and has always been willing to work with our clients, sometimes under very stringent time frames, without issue. She is thorough and provides detailed, outstanding evaluations. I cannot recommend her enough.”
— Anna Hysell, Esq.
Managing Attorney at North County Immigration
“Dr. Shibley is our go-to expert on mental health! We utilize her services as an expert multiple times per month, and we are never disappointed. She and her caring team are genuinely passionate about their work. Her work is thorough and thoughtful. I could not recommend Dr. Shibley more highly!”
— Ginger Jacobs, Esq.
Partner, Jacobs & Schlessinger, LLP
“For more than a decade, Dr. Shibley's practice has been my law firm's go-to for immigration evaluations.
What sets Dr. Shibley apart is not just her clinical expertise but her deep understanding of immigration law and how it intersects with psychological findings. She stays current with evolving legal standards, and it shows in her reports. They are thorough, well-reasoned, and written with the adjudicator in mind.
She is also remarkably responsive — something that matters enormously when you are working against filing deadlines. I trust her completely with my clients, and I recommend her without hesitation to any immigration attorney looking for a psychologist who truly understands this work."
— Matthew G. Holt, Esq.
Owner/Managing Attorney, Hurwitz Holt, APLC
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There are a number of reasons why a psychological evaluation would be helpful – or sometimes even required – in order to move forward with immigration proceedings. These types of reports are very specific in terms of the points they need to address, and only a professional who is well-versed in the area of immigration can provide these services.
If your attorney suggested that you obtain a report of a psychological evaluation, you’ve come to the right place. -
No. You can contact us directly, and we work with both clients and attorneys. If you are working with an attorney, we are happy to coordinate with them throughout the process.
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Most clients complete their evaluation in a single visit. As an experienced forensic psychologist, Dr. Shibley is trained to conduct comprehensive forensic assessments efficiently — you will not need to come back for multiple appointments, as is required by some other providers.
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Our standard turnaround is one to two weeks from the date of the evaluation. Rush processing is available for time-sensitive cases for an additional fee of $200.
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Yes. We conduct evaluations at detention facilities when needed.
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The evaluation typically consists of a clinical interview and standardized psychological testing instruments. The results are scored, interpreted, and integrated into a comprehensive written report, which is sent confidentially to you or your attorney.
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Our clinicians are able to conduct evaluations in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Russian. We also employ professional interpreters for several other languages and dialects.
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No. Immigration psychological evaluations are not covered by insurance and are billed as a flat fee. For clients who cannot afford the full cost, we partner with Immigration Psychology Partnerships, a nonprofit organization, to offer reduced-fee evaluations.
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Fees vary by evaluation type. N-648 evaluations are $600. Most other evaluation types are $1,200. Rush processing is available for an additional $200. Contact us to confirm the fee for your specific case.
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Yes. Dr. Shibley provides expert testimony in immigration court and has extensive experience doing so.
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Dr. Shibley has been conducting immigration evaluations since 2007 and has completed over 4,000 evaluations. She literally wrote the book on this specialty and has trained many of the clinicians currently conducting immigration evaluations in San Diego. Our team offers services in several languages, single-visit evaluations, and access to reduced-fee options through our nonprofit partner.
Frequently Asked Questions
For Immigration Attorneys
We welcome attorney referrals and understand the urgency that immigration cases often involve. We are experienced in working within tight filing deadlines and can accommodate rush requests. Please use our referral form to submit a new case, and a member of our team will follow up promptly.