Comprehensive Risk Assessments for USCIS Family-Based Petitions
Adam Walsh Act Immigration Psychological Evaluations
At the Psychological Evaluation Center Global Network Alliance (PECGNA), we offer nationwide forensic psychological evaluations for immigration petitions affected by the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act (AWA). If you or your client has received a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) from USCIS due to a past offense involving a minor, our licensed forensic psychologists are qualified to conduct evaluations that meet the specific evidentiary standards required under INA §204(a)(1)(A)(viii).
What Is the Adam Walsh Act (AWA)?
The Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 bars U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents from sponsoring a spouse or other family member for immigration benefits if they have a conviction for a “specified offense against a minor,” unless they can prove to the Department of Homeland Security that they pose no risk to the beneficiary.
USCIS holds sole and unreviewable discretion in making this determination, and requires objective psychological evidence to rebut the statutory presumption of ineligibility.
When is an AWA Psychological Evaluation Needed?
You may need a psychological evaluation under the AWA if: You received a NOID in response to an I-130 or I-129F petition. You have a past conviction involving a minor even if the case is decades old. You are being asked to prove that you pose no threat to the intended immigrant (beneficiary). Your attorney advised submitting a risk assessment or psychological evaluation to USCIS
What Offenses Trigger the AWA?
Per the federal law and USCIS guidelines, a “specified offense against a minor” may include: Statutory sexual conduct or sexual contact with a minor. Solicitation of sexual acts or prostitution involving a minor. Possession, production, or distribution of child sexual exploitation material (CSEM). Internet-based offenses (grooming, enticement). Indecent exposure, lewdness, or attempted contact crimes involving a minor. Even if your case involved a plea deal or a reduced charge (e.g., attempted lewdness), it may still trigger a NOID under AWA and require psychological evaluation to continue the immigration process.
What USCIS Requires to Rebut the Presumption of Risk
USCIS may consider the following when deciding whether a petitioner poses “no risk” to the beneficiary: Certified court and police records. Probation, parole, and registry compliance. Completion of rehabilitation programs. Psychological evaluations by licensed clinicians. Evidence of long-term stability, community service, or good conduct. Our AWA evaluations are structured to address these exact factors, with a focus on legal relevance, clinical accuracy, and cultural sensitivity.
PECGNA’s Adam Walsh Act Evaluation Services Include
✅ Forensic Clinical Interview via HIPAA-compliant telehealth
✅ Review of all legal and immigration records
✅ Risk assessment using actuarial tools (e.g., Static-99R)
✅ Cultural formulation for diverse clients and bicultural marriages
✅ Analysis of rehabilitation, insight, and accountability
✅ Assessment of current relationship dynamics and potential risk to the beneficiary
✅ Formal written report for submission to USCIS and immigration counsel
Who Conducts the Evaluation?
AWA evaluations at PECGNA are conducted by our licensed psychologists with specialization in:
- Forensic and immigration-related psychological evaluations
- Risk assessment for sexual offense recidivism
- Culturally competent evaluations for international and multilingual clients
- Adam Walsh Act-specific USCIS standards
We have Thai-speaking evaluators and clinicians trained in working with immigrant and refugee communities from Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and other underrepresented populations.
Why Choose PECGNA?
- Serving All 50 States via secure telehealth
- Trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approach
- Fast turnaround available (rush service on request)
- Experience with NOID responses, federal waiver evaluations, and expert opinion letters
Led by licensed psychologists with USCIS-specific forensic training
Adam Walsh Act Immigration Psychological Evaluations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
An Adam Walsh Act (AWA) psychological evaluation is a specialized forensic assessment required by USCIS when a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident has a past conviction involving a minor and is petitioning for a family member’s immigration. The evaluation assesses whether the petitioner poses any risk to the safety of the beneficiary.
If USCIS determines that your past conviction falls under a “specified offense against a minor” (such as attempted lewdness, solicitation, or possession of child sexual exploitation material), they are required to issue a NOID. To continue your petition, you must prove you pose “no risk” to the intended immigrant.
USCIS expects the evaluation to include:
- A clinical interview by a licensed psychologist
- Review of court records, arrest reports, and treatment history
- A formal risk assessment using tools like the Static-99R
- Evaluation of rehabilitation, insight, and current behavior
Assessment of your relationship with the beneficiary
Only a licensed mental health professional (typically a clinical psychologist or forensic psychologist) trained in sex offense risk assessment and familiar with USCIS AWA requirements should perform this type of evaluation. At PECGNA, our licensed clinicians have experience with AWA cases and immigration-related forensic assessments across all 50 states.
According to federal law, a “specified offense” includes:
- Sexual conduct or attempted sexual contact with a minor
- Possession or distribution of child pornography
- Solicitation of a minor for sex
- Online grooming or enticement
- Lewdness or indecent exposure involving a minor
- Any conduct that by nature constitutes a sex offense against a minor
Yes. PECGNA conducts all evaluations remotely using a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform. Telehealth evaluations are legally acceptable and ideal for clients in any U.S. state or abroad
Not necessarily. While treatment records are helpful, USCIS evaluates overall rehabilitation, insight, post-release behavior, and current risk. If you have not attended formal treatment, your evaluation can still address those areas using behavioral history, community integration, and clinical interview.
The Static-99R is an actuarial risk assessment tool used to estimate the likelihood of sexual offense recidivism. It is one of the most widely accepted tools in forensic psychology and is commonly included in AWA evaluations to meet USCIS evidence standards.
Typical turnaround time at PECGNA is 7–10 business days after the interview and receipt of records. Expedited services may be available for urgent USCIS deadlines—please contact us for availability.
Evaluation fees vary depending on the complexity of the case and required documentation. Our typical range is between $1,800–$3,000. A quote will be provided after a free consultation.
Yes. Once finalized, the report is securely delivered to your immigration attorney or legal representative. We work directly with attorneys nationwide to ensure the evaluation aligns with USCIS submission requirements and deadlines.
You can book a free consultation online or contact us directly:
📞 (949) 949-1002
📧 hello@pecgna.com
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Adam Walsh Act Immigration Psychological Evaluations Today
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