Can a DNA test get you citizenship?
No. The United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) will not grant citizenship with a DNA test results alone. Ancestry also known as Citizen by Decent can be factor to grant citizenship but the petitioner must meet the all of the requirement. It should be noted that ancestry testing will not be recognized by immigration.
Citizenship may be granted by Consular officer or USCIS if the petitioner meets all the requirements to prove the claimed biological relationship such as a paternity, maternity, siblingship or grandparent relationship.
Contact IDTO today at 877-680-5800 if you are in need of DNA testing services for immigration purposes.
Citizenship can be granted several ways based on your family’s situation:
1. Naturalization – Naturalization is the process through which a lawful permanent resident can obtain U.S. citizenship. This process is dictated by the requirements set in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) by Congress. It is the official method for a foreign individual to become a U.S. citizen.
2. Birth in the U.S. – With a few exceptions, being born within the United States automatically confers U.S. citizenship, even if the parents are not citizens. This is known as birthright citizenship and comes from the 14th Amendment to the Constitution.
3. Birth abroad to U.S. parents – A child born abroad can acquire citizenship at birth if at least one parent is a U.S. citizen. There are specific requirements based on the parents’ citizenship status and time spent living in the U.S. The child’s birth must be registered with the nearest U.S. consulate.
4. Derivation – A child born abroad and residing permanently in the U.S. can derive citizenship through their parents. This occurs automatically in most cases when a parent naturalizes. Children under 18 derive citizenship when at least one parent naturalizes.
5. Adoption – Foreign-born children who are adopted by U.S. citizens may be eligible for citizenship depending on their status, visa category, age at adoption, and time spent in lawful permanent resident status.
Conclusion:
DNA testing by itself does not grant citizenship. Performing a relationship test is a voluntary option suggested when the evidence you submit is insufficient. There are other requirements an immigrant applicant must meet before being granted citizenship.
It is recommend that you allow USCIS or a U.S. embassy the opportunity to issue a Request for evidence letter before performing a DNA test.