Qualifying relative on a video call with a licensed psychologist during a hardship evaluation
Waivers and extreme hardship

Hardship psychological evaluation

I-601 and I-601A waivers require showing that the qualifying relative would suffer extreme hardship if the applicant cannot enter or remain in the United States. Portalis evaluates that relative online and delivers a signed clinical report documenting the emotional, financial and family impact of the case.

Book a hardship evaluation

Online appointments. We confirm by email or WhatsApp before the interview.

Who is evaluated in a hardship case

The report centres on the qualifying relative (a U.S. citizen or resident spouse, parent or child), not only the applicant. When the case calls for it we interview both and describe the full family dynamic.

  • Clinical interview with the qualifying relative, including instruments and scores.
  • Impact of separation and of relocating to the applicant's home country.
  • Medical, emotional and caregiving history that deepens the hardship.
  • A clear clinical conclusion, with no legal claims outside our scope.

The two scenarios a waiver requires

A solid report analyses separately what would happen if the relative stays in the United States without the applicant, and what would happen if they relocate abroad to remain together. Each scenario is documented in clinical language with concrete observations.

How the process works

One or two online sessions of 60 to 90 minutes, in English, with a psychologist from the network. The report is delivered five to seven business days after the final session, as a signed PDF stating the clinician's license number.

We work with your attorney

If your attorney needs the report to address a specific point in the filing, or asks for wording clarified, we handle it at no extra cost within 30 days.

Frequently asked questions about extreme hardship

Start with the interview

Tell us where the waiver stands and we will match you with a clinician from the network.

Request an evaluation