Texas residents 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 Texas, where approximately 17.06% of the state’s population are immigrants.
What is Immigration DNA Test?
An Immigration DNA Test is a 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 in Texas?
Prices start at$525.00 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
Sibling DNA Testing
Maternity Testing
Grandparent DNA Testing
How does the DNA sample collection process work for immigration DNA testing?
Petitioner (U.S. DNA Sample Collection)
- Petitioner must receive a document requesting additional evidence from an immigration agency (USCIS or Consular Section) to initiate the DNA testing process.
- Contact our office at 800-219-4584 to learn more about the process.
- The documents (I-130 Request For Evidence letter) you received will be emailed to the lab before your case initiated and before your sample collection appointment is scheduled 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 sample collection appointment.
- After the beneficiary’s samples have been collected they will be sent to the laboratory in the United States for testing.
- Upon the completion of your DNA analysis, 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 specimen collection process for the beneficiary abroad.
Beneficiary Immigrant Visa Applicant (DNA Sample Collection Abroad)
- After the petitioner’s 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 samples are collected they will be shipped to laboratory for testing.
- Once the lab receives all the specimen samples DNA testing and 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.
Where can I get DNA testing done in Texas?
Scheduling an appointment in Texas. We have facilities throughout the entire state of Texas. Contact our office at 800-219-4584.
How long will it take for my DNA results to be completed?
Fast turnaround times for your results to be completed is 3 business days on average.
Please keep in mind for international specimen collection process visa applicants abroad the average turnaround time is 6 to 8 weeks, sometimes longer.
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.
USI DNA Testing Customer Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Does USCIS suggest DNA Testing for immigrant Texans?
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 not 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 lab will 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 do not guarantee visa acceptance.
When is DNA required for immigration?
DNA testing is not requirement by an immigration office. Relationship testing is a secondary voluntary option that is provided when the primary evidence submitted by an immigrant visa applicant is insufficient.
Can a home DNA test kit be used for immigration purposes in Texas?
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 is 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.
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 then destroyed.
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.