What this evaluation is for
U visa and T visa cases are related but distinct, and the evaluation treats them that way. Both involve documenting harm and its psychological aftermath; each has its own focus, standard, and story to tell.
Who these evaluations may be relevant to
- Victims of qualifying crimes pursuing a U visa, where substantial mental or physical abuse must be documented
- Survivors of labor or sex trafficking pursuing a T visa
- Family members included in a petition, when the attorney requests it
- Anyone who prefers the interview in Português or Español, conducted directly with no interpreter
What the evaluations may explore
- The victimization and its context, described at a pace you control
- Emotional effects: trauma symptoms, fear, anxiety, depression, shame, and grief
- Functional effects: work, relationships, health, sleep, and trust
- Ongoing safety concerns and what support exists around you
- Relevant documentation, such as police reports or medical records, when available
U visa evaluations
A U visa evaluation documents the mental and emotional impact of a qualifying crime. The clinical interview explores what happened, the substantial abuse that followed, and how symptoms show up in your life today. The written report gives your attorney clinical findings to file alongside the certification and petition.
T visa evaluations
A T visa evaluation focuses on the experience of trafficking: how control was established, what was endured, and the psychological aftermath of exploitation. These interviews are handled with particular care around safety, shame, and trust, and the report documents the lasting effects with clinical clarity.
Safety and privacy
The request form never asks for details of what happened. Choose the contact method and times that are safe for you, and everything sensitive waits for a private session. Sessions are confidential, and records are released only with proper consent.
Attorney coordination
Najla coordinates with your attorney on the referral question, timeline, and records, and writes the report for legal review. If testimony or clarification is later needed, that is discussed with counsel directly.
What may help, when available
- Your attorney's referral note and any filing deadline
- Police or investigative records connected to the crime, if you have them
- Medical or counseling records, when they exist
Missing paperwork never blocks a first conversation. Start with the request form and the rest gets sorted together.
What the evaluator does not decide
An evaluation documents clinical findings. It is honest, independent, and written for legal review. It is not a legal opinion, and it never promises an outcome.
- Whether the crime qualifies, or whether trafficking is legally established. Those are legal determinations.
- Whether the petition is approved. The evaluation is evidence, not a verdict.
- Law-enforcement certification decisions, which belong to the certifying agency.
Not ready to book yet?
A gentle walkthrough of what an evaluation involves. Read it at your own pace before any appointment.
Prepare for an Immigration EvaluationCommon questions, answered
Straight answers before you book.
What is the difference between a U visa and a T visa evaluation?
A U visa evaluation documents the psychological impact of a qualifying crime and the substantial abuse suffered. A T visa evaluation focuses on the experience and aftermath of trafficking. The clinical care is the same; the focus and legal context differ, and the report is written for the correct standard.
Do I need a police report before the evaluation?
No. Records help when they exist, but the clinical interview stands on its own. Your attorney will know which documents matter for the petition itself.
Is the evaluation safe if the person who harmed me is still around?
Your safety leads the process. Choose the contact method and appointment format that are safe, including secure telehealth. Nothing is shared with anyone without proper consent.
How long does it take?
Interviews generally run two to three hours, sometimes across sessions. Reports are typically completed within seven to fourteen days of the final interview.
Are the interviews available in Portuguese and Spanish?
Yes. All interviews are conducted directly in English, Português, or Español by Najla herself.