If you are a California resident applying for an immigrant visa (IV) or Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) and lack sufficient evidence to prove a claimed biological relationship, Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) testing may be recommended.
DNA testing for immigration purposes specifically helps determine if a biological relationship exists between relatives when there is insufficient evidence to support the claimed relationship.
US Immigration DNA Testing Center’s guide below explains the process of DNA testing for immigration purposes, specifically for residents of California, where approximately 26.53% of the state’s population are immigrants.
What is Immigration DNA Test?
An Immigration DNA Test an DNA analysis that compares the genetic profiles of parent-child or sibling relationships to provide a probability of biological relationship between the participants in your case.
What is the cost of DNA testing for immigration?
The cost for DNA test for immigration purposes will vary depending on your circumstance. Contact our office at 800-219-4584 to inquire about pricing.
What types of Family Reunification DNA Tests can be performed?
The commonly suggested tests performed for family reunification cases are:
Paternity Testing: determines a biological relationship between father and child
Maternity Testing: determines a biological relationship between mother and child
Sibling DNA Testing: determine if two or more siblings are biologically related.
Grandparent Testing: determines if a paternal or maternal grandparent with a grandchild are biologically related.
Sample Collection Process For Relationship DNA Testing:
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’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.
How do I schedule DNA testing sample collection appointment in California?
Scheduling a DNA sample collection appointment is simple. We have collection facilities with our network throughout the entire state of California.
Areas We Service
Almeda
Butte
Fresno
Humboldt
Los Angeles
Oceanside
San Diego
San Mateo
Shasta
Santa Clara
Santa Fe
San Francisco
Contact our office at 800-219-4584 for an appointment today.
Frequently Ask Questions
Does USCIS suggest DNA Testing for California residents?
Yes. When insufficient evidence is provided during the immigrant visa application filing process. USCIS may send the petitioner an office action like I-130 providing your family with a secondary option to perform DNA testing. Please keep in mind testing is voluntary and does guarantee that your visa or CRBA application will be accepted.
Performing a DNA Test before receiving an office action from USCIS or embassy is not recommended. Doing so, may require that you perform your DNA test again.
Does the lab send my DNA results to immigration?
Yes. Upon completion of your DNA analysis the will lab send a copy of your results to requesting immigration office.
Will my DNA results be accepted by USCIS or US embassy?
Yes. Our partner laboratory is AABB accredited which is the accrediting body that immigration agencies like USCIS, Passport agencies and U.S. embassies will accept DNA results as evidence.
It should be noted, results from an accredited laboratory does not guarantee visa acceptance.
Can a home DNA test kit be used for immigration purposes in California?
No. Home DNA test kits cannot be used for an immigration purposes. Home Test kits do not require a chain of custody be established or the use of a third-party collector. Therefore attempting to submit a Home DNA Test kit results will not be accepted by an immigration agency.
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 USCIS’ support.
How accurate are my DNA Testing results?
The accuracy of the DNA samples collected and analyzed by our partner AABB (formerly known as the American Association of Blood Banks) accredited DNA testing laboratory meets industry standards. The consular section or USCIS office accepts test results 99.5% and higher that determines the probability of parentage (paternity & maternity) for visa and CRBA cases.
Although your DNA results will be accepted by USCIS or by U.S. embassies. Performing a relationship DNA test does guarantee visa or CRBA acceptance.
Privacy
All information provided to our partner DNA Testing laboratory is kept secure and confidential. Information will only be released to third parties with the explicit consent of the participants involved with genetic test or by court-order. Specimen samples on file are kept for 90 days on average than destroyed.
Customer Support
To learn more about California DNA testing for immigrant visa and CRBA purposes call 800-219-4584 and allow one of technicians to assist you today.