What is a USCIS DNA Test?
Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) testing suggested by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may occur when immigrant visa applicant files a visa application with in sufficient evidence.
Please note, when USCIS suggests relationship DNA test it a voluntary and not mandatory. Only laboratories that are accredited by AABB (former known as the American Association of Blood Banks) will be recognized by USCIS.
U.S. Immigration DNA Testing Center’s (USIDNA) provides relationship testing types that commonly suggested by USCIS below.
How much does DNA Testing cost in another country?
The cost of international DNA testing will depend on the country, the relationship between the individuals involved, and the country.
Contact our office at 800-219-4584 to details regarding your specific situation today.
DNA Relationship Testing Types:
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. (Not as common testing option)
Domestic DNA Specimen Collections (Getting Started)
Domestic DNA testing occurs when all parties are located in the United States. Once one of the U.S. Department of State’s Passport Agencies sends you a document detailing the options available to you for evidence submission. Follow the below the DNA appointment process.
- Contact our office at 800-219-4584 to submit your information and to schedule an appointment.
- Our partner AABB accredited lab will perform your case initiation and your DNA sample collection appointment will be scheduled.
- Once you appointment is scheduled, your DNA samples will be collected and shipped to the lab.
- After DNA analysis the laboratory will send an original copy of your results to the request U.S. Passport Agency on your family’s behalf. An additional copy will mailed to your home and another will be emailed to you for your records.
Please keep mind, appointments can be scheduled in different cities or states. Contact our office at 800-219-4584 to learn more today.
International DNA Sample Collections:
International CRBA/Passport DNA testing occurs when an embassy or consulate abroad requests additional evidence to prove the claimed parent and child relationship. Below is a brief overview of what to expect from the process.
- Contact our office at 800-219-4584 to submit your information and to schedule an appointment at one of the facilities in our network.
- Our partner AABB accredited lab will perform your case initiation and a DNA sample collection appointment will be scheduled for the petitioner (parent) in the U.S.
- Once you appointment is scheduled, your DNA samples will be collected and shipped to the lab.
- After the petitioner’s samples are collected, the will ship DNA test kit to U.S. embassy to the country abroad.
- The embassy will is responsible for scheduling DNA sample collection appointment for the beneficiary. After the samples are collected they be shipped to the laboratory for testing.
- After DNA analysis the laboratory will send an original copy of your results to the request U.S. Passport Agency on your family’s behalf. An additional copy will mailed to your home and another will be emailed to you for your records.
What type DNA samples will be collected?
The method of collection is performed by buccal cheek swab. Blood samples are another viable sample collection method by it is more invasive and painful method of collection. Both collection options have a similar accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take for my DNA Test results to completed?
Domestically, 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.
Can I use home test kits for passport DNA testing?
No, home DNA kits cannot be used for passport DNA testing. The letter clearly states that DNA testing must be conducted by an AABB accredited laboratory.
Home test kits do not meet this requirement because they do not establish a proper chain of custody, which is necessary to ensure the integrity and admissibility of the DNA test results for official purposes like passport applications.
Moreover, DNA testing suggested by USCIS is only performed upon the request of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Individuals cannot initiate the DNA testing process on their own using home DNA kits.
Do I need a lawyer for help with USCIS DNA testing?
No. It is not a requirement for you to acquire a lawyer to schedule DNA test for passport evidence submission purposes. Lawyers are commonly used to assist immigrant applicants with their filing process.
Can DNA test results be submitted preemptively without waiting for a U.S. passport agency to suggest them?
No, DNA results should not be submitted preemptively without waiting for the U.S. passport agency to suggest them. DNA testing is entirely voluntary and should only be pursued if suggested by the passport agency when other forms of evidence are insufficient to establish entitlement to a U.S. passport.
How accurate are my DNA Testing results?
The accuracy of the genetic 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 DNA testing for immigrant visa and CRBA purposes call 800-219-4584 and allow one of technicians to assist you today.