u.s. embassy dna testing

What is a U.S. Embassy DNA Testing?

A U.S. embassy or consular section may suggest Consular Report  of Birth Abroad (CRBA) applicant to prove the claimed biological relationship. All suggested relationship testing options are voluntary. Therefore the costs of your DNA testings services is an out-of-pocket expense.

It should be noted that U.S. Embassies do not provide DNA testing services directly. All DNA testing services must be performed by an AABB accredited laboratory for your DNA test results to be accepted by USCIS or an Embassy. Below are the DNA relationship testing types.

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.

Commonly Suggested Family Relationship DNA Testing Types

The common genetic familial relationships for CRBA or for citizenships are paternity testing (father & child), maternity testing (mother & child)  or paternity and maternity DNA testing (father, mother and child/ren). 

To learn more about your testing options call 800-219-4584 or read our brief overview of how the process works.

Outline of the Process To initiate the DNA Testing process:

1. Upon receiving a request for additional evidence letter or email directly from the consular section. Contact our office and we can assist you with initiating the process with our partner AABB accredited DNA testing laboratory.

2. After the petitioner’s sample has been collected it will be shipped to the lab where your sample will be held. The lab will also be responsible for shipping a DNA test kit to the Embassy in your country requesting a DNA sample collection for your family member.

3. Once the Panel Physician completes the sample collection. The beneficiary’s genetic samples will be sent back to the lab in the U.S. for genetic testing.

4. When your test results are completed. A copy will be mailed out to the Embassy and a copy will be mailed out to your home.

5. After the U.S. Consulate receives your DNA results. They will determine if your genetic testing results meet the requirements for evidence submission and a decision on your application will be made.

If you are in need of DNA relationship testing for immigration purposes. Contact our office today at 800-219-4584.

Please note, on the day of your DNA sample collection appointment you will required to bring the following items.

– If a translator is being used, the translator will also need to bring a government-issued photo identification.

-A government-issued photo ID (like a passport, driver’s license, or travel document) is required, both in its original form and as a photocopy. If not in English, a translated version is also necessary.

-For those younger than 14, a birth certificate issued by the government (not one from a hospital) is required.

-A color photograph, passport-sized (5cm x 5cm), set against a white background is required.

-Applicants younger than 18 must have a parent or legal guardian with them, who must also provide a valid photo ID during the appointment.

-If a translator is involved, they must also present a government-issued photo ID.

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.