What is an Immigration DNA Test?
An immigration DNA test is a genetic test used to establish biological relationships between individuals when applying for visas or Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBAs). This test serves as secondary evidence when primary documentation is insufficient to prove the claimed relationship.
Common Types of Immigration DNA Tests:
Paternity testing: Determines the biological father of a child.
Maternity testing: Determines the biological mother of a child.
Sibling DNA testing: Determines if two individuals share a biological parent(s).
Immigration DNA Testing Process:
The specific process for immigration DNA testing depends on whether both parties reside in the United States or if one party lives abroad. Here’s a breakdown:
Domestic DNA Testing Procedures (Both Parties in the U.S.):
- Initiate the process: Contact us at 877-680-5800 for immigration DNA testing services by our partner AABB-accredited lab.
- Sample collection: Schedule an appointment at a collection facility near you. Both parties will provide buccal swab samples (cheek swabs).
- Testing and analysis: The laboratory analyzes the samples.
- Results: Results are typically available within 3 business days and sent to the requesting USCIS office and both parties involved.
U.S. Embassies/Consulates Procedures (One Party Abroad):
- Initiate the process: Similar to domestic testing, contact our office at 877-680-5800 for case initiation and appointment coordination.
- Petitioner’s sample collection: You (the petitioner in the U.S.) will provide a buccal swab sample at a designated collection facility.
- Beneficiary’s sample collection: The U.S. embassy or consulate where the beneficiary resides will supervise the beneficiary’s buccal swab sample collection.
- Sample shipment: The laboratory will arrange a shipment of the beneficiary’s sample kit to the embassy/consulate and then back to the laboratory for DNA analysis.
- Results: Results are typically available within 3 business days after the lab receives all samples. They are sent to the embassy/consulate, USCIS (if applicable), and both parties involved.
Key Differences:
- Beneficiary sample collection: In domestic testing, both parties collect samples at a facility. In international testing, the embassy/consulate supervises the beneficiary’s sample collection.
- Embassy involvement: International testing involves the U.S. embassy/consulate in facilitating and supervising the beneficiary’s sample collection.
Additional Notes:
- All immigration DNA testing must be performed by an AABB-accredited laboratory to ensure accuracy and legal admissibility.
- Costs for immigration DNA testing vary depending on the service provider and type of test required.
- It’s recommended to consult with an immigration attorney to understand if DNA testing is necessary for your specific case and the proper procedures to follow.
Please note: This information is for general guidance only and should not be construed as legal advice. Contact an immigration attorney for specific advice regarding your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Immigration DNA testing performed by AABB-accredited labs like ours adheres to industry-accepted standards of 99.5% accuracy or higher. Our partner lab uses advanced technology and stringent procedures to ensure reliable results.
Once the lab receives all samples, results are typically available within 3 business days. For international testing, this time-frame does not include the beneficiary’s sample collection process.
Contact us at 877-680-5800 for a free consultation and personalized quote. Costs vary depending on the specific test type and your individual circumstances.
We recommend consulting with an immigration attorney to understand the visa application process. Remember, although immigration attorneys offer valuable insight into the process. USCIS and embassies will determine if your family will perform DNA testing.
While immigration DNA testing can be crucial for some applications, it’s important to understand it’s not always necessary and shouldn’t be done proactively. It’s typically initiated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or a U.S. embassy as a follow-up option when they require additional evidence to verify biological relationships.
Here’s the key process involved:
1. Receive an official request: USCIS or a U.S. embassy will issue an “office action” document notifying your family about the need for DNA testing. This document outlines the secondary options you can submit as evidence to prove your claimed biological relationship.
2. Don’t preemptively test: Performing a DNA test before receiving an official request could lead to complications or unnecessary costs. Wait for the formal notification from USCIS or the embassy.
3. Follow official instructions: The “office action” document will include details on the following:
- Accepted testing facilities: USCIS only accepts results from laboratories accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB).
- Sample collection process: This could involve domestic testing (both parties in the U.S.) or international testing (one party abroad). The document will specify the procedures and any embassy involvement.
The time it takes to receive a visa after DNA results for a US immigration visa can vary. On average, applicants report receiving their visas within 60-120 days after their DNA results are received by USCIS or an embassy.
However, it’s important to note that this is just an average, and individual processing times can be shorter or longer depending on various factors.
About Our Services: Trustworthy and Accurate Immigration DNA Testing
At IDTO DNA Testing Center, we understand the critical role accurate and reliable DNA testing plays in your immigration process. That’s why we partner with an AABB-accredited laboratory, ensuring rigorous adherence to the highest industry standards for quality and accuracy.
Your Privacy is Our Priority: We guarantee complete confidentiality and security of your personal and genetic information. We never share your data with third-party companies without your explicit consent or a court order. DNA samples are stored securely for a limited time and then destroyed responsibly.
Painless and Convenient Sample Collection: Our preferred method is the simple buccal swab, a painless cheek swab that provides high-quality genetic material. This non-invasive approach is especially convenient for international testing compared to blood samples.