Navigating the DNA testing process for immigration purposes can be confusing for many immigrant families in 2026. USI DNA has provided an in-depth guide that explains how the process works and how to get started for both United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) cases and Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) cases.
What is a U.S. Immigration DNA Test?
DNA relationship testing is an option often suggested by United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) or U.S. embassies when insufficient or no reliable evidence is provided when filing an immigrant visa (IV) application for family reunification.
Our partner AABB accredited DNA testing lab will process and analyze all DNA tests. The accreditation ensures results accepted by USCIS and U.S embassies worldwide.
What is the cost of DNA testing for immigration?
The cost for DNA test for immigration purposes will vary depending on your circumstance. Learn more our pricing here or call 800-219-4584 to inquire about pricing.
Below are the commonly accepted relationship testing types (USCIS) or U.S. embassies will suggest to immigrant applicants.
What are the commonly used relationship DNA tests?
The commonly used testing options are parent-child relationships, siblingship (full and half siblings) and grandparent relationships. Other distant relationship testing options are not suggested by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or U.S. consular office.s.
DNA Relationship Testing Sample Collection Process in 2026:
| Testing Type | Description |
| Paternity Testing | This test helps to confirm an alleged biological father and a child are related. |
| Maternity Testing | This test helps to confirm an alleged biological mother and a child are related. |
| Sibling DNA Testing | This test helps to confirm if two people are biologically related to each other. |
| Grandparent DNA Testing | This test helps to confirm if a grandparent and grandchild are biologically related to each other. |
| Avuncular DNA Testing | This test helps to confirm if an aunt or uncle with a niece or nephew are biologically related to each other. |
Please note, all DNA testing is voluntary and performing a DNA test is an out-of-pocket expense when using this option for evidence submission. Below is an overview of DNA sample collection process that adheres to consular section guidelines.
Petitioner (U.S. DNA Sample Collection)
- Petitioner must receive a document requesting additional evidence from an immigration agency (USCIS or Consular Section).
- Contact our office at 800-219-4584 to learn more about the process
- The lab will perform a case initiation and schedule a DNA sample collection appointment for the petitioner in the U.S.
- Next, the laboratory will ship a DNA kit and sample collection request to the US embassy or consulate abroad. An embassy official will be responsible for scheduling the beneficiary’s DNA sample collection appointment.
- After the beneficiary’s samples have been collected they will be sent to the laboratory in the United States for DNA analysis.
- Upon the completion of your test, your results will be sent by the lab directly to the requesting immigration agency (USCIS or Consular Section) and an additional copy of your results will be sent to you.
Below is the DNA sample collection process for the beneficiary abroad.
Beneficiary Immigrant Visa Applicant (DNA Sample Collection Abroad)
- After the petitioners DNA sample is collected. Our partner lab will ship a DNA test kit and sample collection request to the Embassy or Consulate.
- Please note, petitioners and beneficiary are not under any circumstance should you receive a DNA kit to remain compliant with US Consular Section DNA Testing guidelines.
- The Consular’s office is responsible for scheduling the beneficiary immigrant visa applicant’s DNA sample collection appointment by email or by phone.
- After the beneficiary’s DNA samples are collected they will be shipped to laboratory for DNA analysis.
- Once the lab receives all the specimen samples DNA analysis will begin. Upon the completion of your DNA analysis of your results will be sent to USCIS or U.S. Embassy or Consular Section.
What is the method used to collect DNA samples?
The commonly used method of DNA specimen collection is performed by cheek buccal swab. The swab is placed inside of the mouth and brushed against the cheek on both the left and right cheek.
Although there are other methods of specimen collection options like blood. The cheek swab collection option method preferred over blood because it is easier, less invasive and painless.
Where can I go to get DNA Testing appointment?
Call 800-219-4584 to schedule an appointment today. Below are the area we service.
Alabama
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take to Immigration DNA Test results to completed?
Results are completed on average of 3 business days from the date the lab receives all samples. The entire process for international immigrant visas have a turnaround time of 6 to 8 weeks or longer.
Please keeping mind turnaround times will vary from country to country base off of the embassy or consular section’s workload.
What does the beneficiary need to bring to their DNA sample collection appointment abroad?
Below is a list of common items a U.S. embassy or consulate may require the beneficiary to bring to their DNA sample collection appointment:
- Passport
- Passport-sized photograph
- Government-issued photo identification (if applicable)
- The appointment confirmation email from the embassy or consulate, which includes the DNA sample collection fee paid directly to the panel physician, appointment date and time, and the collection location
Important note:
DNA sample collection appointments may be conducted at a U.S. embassy or consulate, and in some cases, at a designated panel physician’s office.
What happens after USCIS receives my DNA test results?
When USCIS receives your DNA results from the laboratory. The process for determining visa acceptance will be at the discretion of your assigned immigration officer.
It important to keep in mind after the lab completes your DNA analysis and ships your results to USCIS their involvement with your case has ended. Any additional questions or concerns on non-related DNA testing will have to be directed to the state department website support.
What is the Accuracy of a DNA Test?
DNA tests analyzed by our partner accredited laboratory achieve accuracy that meets industry standards. The consular section or USCIS office accepts parentage results showing a probability of 99.99% or higher for paternity and maternity in visa and CRBA cases.
Customer Support
To learn more about DNA testing for immigrant visa and CRBA purposes call 800-219-4584 and allow one of our DNA Consultants to assist you today.