DNA Collection For Overseas Beneficiaries Of Form I-130 Petition
Proving Family Relationships with DNA Testing for I-130 Petitions
When a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident files an I-130 petition for a family member, they must provide evidence to establish the biological relationship. This is often done through birth certificates. But sometimes DNA testing is necessary when birth records are unavailable or insufficient.
DNA testing analyzes genetic markers to determine if a biological parent-child or sibling relationship exists. It can provide conclusive scientific evidence where other documents fail. Both the Department of State and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services allow DNA test results to be submitted with I-130 petitions.
There are specific requirements for the DNA testing process. Only tests from an accredited laboratory can be accepted. The DNA samples must be properly collected and handled to ensure accuracy. Testing needs to analyze enough genetic markers to produce a statistical probability of at least 99.9% for proving the relationship.
Applicants should use an immigration DNA testing provider like IDTO who can help assist your family stay compliant with DNA testing requirements for immigration evidence submission. All DNA testing services we provide are under the strict supervision of our partner AABB accredited lab.
While the DNA test can help prove a legitimate family connection, it is not by itself a guarantee of I-130 petition approval. Immigration authorities will still carefully examine the totality of evidence. But valid DNA results can possibly resolve questions about the validity of a relationship claim and help avoid issues or delays.
If possible, it is recommended that you discuss situation with an immigration attorney to see if DNA testing would be a viable option for your case. In situations lacking sufficient documentation, DNA results may strengthen the case for approval. Learn more about IDTO’s immigration DNA testing process here.
I-130 DNA Collection Overseas For Beneficiaries
DNA Sample Collection Process
Step 1: Contact IDTO DNA Testing at 877-680-5800 and we will assist you by connecting you with our partner AABB-accredited Laboratory who will initiate the process.
Step 2: For the petitioner’s DNA Sample Collection in the United States Parent/s (child or sibling) will not be able to perform or use a home DNA test kit. As stated earlier, all DNA tests must be performed by an AABB Lab in order for a U.S. Embassy or USCIS official to consider your DNA test result as evidence.
At your appointment, a buccal swab collection is a required choice for collecting genetic DNA samples. After the sample is collected it will be shipped to the laboratory in the U.S.
Once the petitioner’s samples arrive at the lab. The lab will prepare the shipment of the DNA test kit going to the U.S. Embassy where the beneficiary is currently located.
As a reminder, Under no circumstances should you receive the DNA test kit for yourself, your child, or other relative and ship the test kit to the Embassy.
Our partner testing AABB accredited laboratory will be responsible for the shipment of the DNA test kit going to the Embassy. The kit will also have a prepaid return envelope that will be returned back to the lab after the beneficiary’s samples have been collected.
Step 3. After all DNA samples arrive at the lab, testing will begin with all genetic samples involved with your DNA test.
Related Questions:
What if the beneficiary’s sample has not been collected before my response date?
Unfortunately, there is no way to have an Embassy expedite the DNA collection process for your family member. If we are assisting you with the DNA Relationship Testing process our partner AABB Accredited DNA Testing Laboratory will oversee the entire Immigration DNA Testing process from start to finish.
At the beginning of the petitioner’s sample collection, he or she will receive a copy of a letter they can submit directly to USCIS to notify them that your family has begun the Immigration DNA testing processing.
Please note, the letter does not ensure that USCIS will extend or not deny your case. As we understand it, USCIS will treat each case as evidence is submitted on a case-by-case basis.
Is Immigration DNA Testing required when I receive an I-130 Request For Evidence Letter?
No. As we understand it, DNA testing is an option that may be provided but is not mandatory. This option can be used when there is insufficient evidence to prove a biological relationship between family members. The common relationships USCIS will accept DNA test results for are Paternity, Maternity, and Siblingship DNA testing results.
Conclusion:
If you currently waiting for your family member to have his or her DNA sample collected in your country of origin. We recommend that you communicate with the DNA testing company that initiated your family’s DNA testing process if IDTO is not assisting you with this process.
Petitioners who have recently received an I-130 Request For Evidence letter and you would like to perform a DNA test. Please do not hesitate to contact our office today at 877-680-5800 or 347-735-5490 to schedule an appointment or to ask a question. Remember, we are here to help.
