Psychological Evaluations for Immigation and Court California

Dr. Nina Nguy, Psy.D, PMH-C, Vietnamese Psychologist who specializes in Immigration Evaluations & N-648 Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions

Psychological Evaluations for Immigration Court

Why you need a psychological evaluation for Immigration Court

A psychological evaluation could be the key to winning your immigration case.  A comprehensive report that effectively communicates the psychological distress an applicant experiences could strengthen your immigration case, and oftentimes be the deciding factor in whether legal status is granted. 

It is so important that in some cases an immigration evaluation is required by the court or lawyer who handles the case. 

How Dr. Nina Nguy, an immigration evaluation specialist can help

Because so much is at stake, it is essential that you choose a highly experienced Psychologist who is specifically trained to conduct your immigration evaluation.  My extensive experience as a Clinical Psychologist of 12 years coupled with my specialized training in immigration evaluations enables me to write reports that are comprehensive, thorough, yet neutral to be effective.    

I have a passion for helping the Vietnamese community because I was born in Vietnam and was a refugee myself.  I have first-hand knowledge of cultural practices, values, and traumas that affect psychological functioning.  I’m one of the very first Vietnamese-speaking Psychologists who do immigration evaluations. 

I specialize in evaluations for the following immigration proceedings:

  • Hardship (Waivers, Provisional Waivers, and Cancellation of Removal)

  • Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

  • U Visas

  • Asylum

  • Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions (N-648)

What to expect from a psychological evaluation for immigration

I will meet with you for a 1-on-1 interview in my office in Costa Mesa, CA.  The interview will last 3-4 hours as I gather relevant information about all areas of your life.  During this time, you will also be completing psychological instruments that give me objective information about how you’re doing.  Psychological instruments are questionnaires about yourself that you answer on paper and pencil (there are no right or wrong answers).  Your answers will be scored, interpreted, and incorporated into a cohesive narrative with other information from the interview.  The narrative will be the basis for the report I write about you for immigration court.  You, and/or your attorney will receive a copy of the final report. 

Click here for your free 15-minute phone consultation for an immigration evaluation.  

FAQ for Immigration Evaluations

  • The 1-on-1 interview is conducted on either a Monday or Friday.  From that point, the average time for the completion of the report is 2-3 weeks.  If you need the report sooner, then expedited options are available for an additional fee. 

  • Yes.  Typically, a deposit is required to schedule the 1-on-1 interview.  On the day of the interview, half of the remaining fee is due.  The rest of the fee is due once the report is completed.  The entirety of the fee must be submitted before the signed final report is sent to your lawyer. 

  • No.  In my experience, in-person evaluations are more effective in providing the necessary information I need to make my determination.  For example, with virtual evaluations, I cannot see the client’s non-verbal behaviors like wringing hands or bouncing knees which could be manifestations of anxiety.  Also, in-person evaluations enable a more intimate and safe space for clients to openly talk about experiences that are painful or even traumatic. 

 The next step to improve your chances of obtaining legal status

Click here to schedule a free, 15-minute phone consultation to see how I can help.