U-Visa Psychological Evaluations for Crime Victims
Comprehensive documentation of substantial physical or mental abuse for U-visa petitions. With 416,000 petitions pending and only 10,000 annual slots, a thorough evaluation is the strongest differentiator for your client's case. If you were the victim of a crime in the United States, this evaluation documents how it affected you psychologically to support your visa petition.
The Five-Factor Substantial Abuse Test
USCIS evaluates whether abuse is "substantial" under 8 CFR 214.14(b)(1) using a totality of circumstances approach. The psychological evaluation maps clinical findings to each factor.
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1. Nature of the Injury
Clinical documentation of the type of psychological harm suffered, including specific DSM-5-TR diagnoses and how they manifest in your client's daily life.
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2. Severity of Conduct
Assessment of the perpetrator's behavior and its psychological impact, including frequency, escalation patterns, and use of threats or coercion.
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3. Severity of Harm
Standardized test scores documenting the clinical severity of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other conditions resulting from the crime.
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4. Duration of Harm
Documentation of how long symptoms have persisted, with clinical evidence of chronic versus acute presentations and prognosis.
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5. Permanence of Harm
Assessment of long-term or permanent psychological effects: scarring of personality, chronic conditions, and the extent of expected recovery.
What the U-Visa Evaluation Includes
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90 to 120 Minute Clinical Interview
Structured, trauma-informed interview covering the qualifying crime, its psychological impact, current symptoms, and functional impairment. Conducted via secure telehealth or in person.
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Standardized Psychological Testing
PCL-5 (PTSD), PHQ-9 (depression), GAD-7 (anxiety), BDI-II, and additional instruments selected based on the specific crime and its effects.
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Five-Factor Analysis Report
Detailed report structured around the USCIS five-factor test, with DSM-5-TR diagnoses, clinical reasoning, and professional opinion on each factor.
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Pre-Crime Baseline Assessment
Documentation of psychological functioning before the qualifying crime, establishing the causal link between the crime and current symptoms.
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Spanish Interpreter at No Extra Cost
Professional interpretation coordinated and included in the flat fee for all evaluations.
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Unlimited Attorney Revisions
Full collaboration with the referring attorney until the report addresses every element needed for the I-918 petition.
From Referral to Final Report
A straightforward process designed for busy attorneys. Refer your client, and Dr. Mantonya handles the rest.
Attorney Referral
Contact Dr. Mantonya by email or phone with the case type, qualifying crime, and relevant documentation.
Records Review
Review of case documents, police reports, law enforcement certification, and personal statements.
Clinical Evaluation
90 to 120 minute structured interview with standardized testing via secure telehealth or in person.
Report Delivered
Five-factor analysis report with DSM-5-TR diagnoses delivered within 5 to 7 business days.
Attorney Review
Collaborate on revisions at no additional charge until the report meets all I-918 requirements.
Transparent Flat-Fee Pricing
- 90 to 120 minute clinical interview
- Full standardized psychological testing battery
- Five-factor substantial abuse analysis
- Comprehensive report with DSM-5-TR diagnoses
- Spanish interpreter included at no extra cost
- Unlimited attorney revisions
- Telehealth available statewide in California
U-Visa Evaluation FAQ
How does the evaluation address the "substantial abuse" standard?
The report is structured around USCIS's five-factor test from 8 CFR 214.14(b)(1): nature of injury, severity of conduct, severity of harm, duration, and permanence. Each factor is addressed with clinical evidence, standardized test scores, and professional opinion. This gives the adjudicator a clear, factor-by-factor framework for evaluating substantial abuse.
Does my client need a law enforcement certification before the evaluation?
No. The psychological evaluation can be completed at any point in the U-visa process. However, if law enforcement certification is available, Dr. Mantonya will review it as part of the case documentation. When certification is difficult to obtain, the evaluation becomes even more important as corroborating evidence of the crime's psychological impact.
Can non-physical crimes qualify if the evaluation documents mental abuse?
Yes. The five-factor test specifically includes "mental abuse." For non-physical crimes (fraud, stalking, witness tampering, coercion), the psychological evaluation is often the primary evidence of harm. A series of acts taken together can constitute substantial abuse even when no single act rises to that level on its own (72 Fed. Reg. 53014).
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