When a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident files an I-130 petition for a family member, evidence must be submitted to help establish the claimed biological relationship. In many cases, birth certificates and other civil documents are used for this purpose. However, when birth records are unavailable, delayed, inconsistent, or considered insufficient, immigration authorities may suggest DNA testing as secondary evidence to help support the petition.
Immigration DNA testing is commonly used to help establish biological parent-child, sibling, or other qualifying family relationships through genetic comparison testing. Both the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may allow immigration DNA test results to be submitted as part of an I-130 petition case when additional evidence is needed.
There are important requirements that must be followed during the immigration DNA testing process. Only DNA tests performed by a laboratory accredited by the Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies (AABB) may be accepted for immigration purposes. In addition, all DNA sample collections must follow strict chain-of-custody procedures to help ensure the integrity and accuracy of the DNA test results. Immigration DNA test results showing a probability of paternity or maternity of 99.99% or higher are generally considered highly accurate evidence of a biological relationship.
Applicants may choose an immigration DNA testing provider like IDTO DNA to help ensure compliance with immigration DNA testing requirements and evidence submission procedures. All DNA testing services coordinated through IDTO DNA are performed by our partner AABB-accredited laboratory.
While DNA test results can help establish a legitimate biological relationship, DNA testing alone does not guarantee I-130 petition approval. USCIS and other immigration authorities will continue to evaluate the totality of the evidence submitted with the immigration petition. However, valid immigration DNA test results may help resolve questions regarding the claimed relationship and potentially reduce delays in the immigration process.
I-130 DNA Collection Overseas for Beneficiaries
How the DNA Sample Collection Process Works
Step 1: Contact IDTO DNA Testing
Contact IDTO DNA Testing at 877-680-5800 to begin the immigration DNA testing process. Our office will assist by coordinating your case with our partner AABB-accredited laboratory responsible for initiating the DNA testing process.
Step 2: Petitioner DNA Sample Collection in the United States
For immigration DNA testing purposes, petitioners and family members cannot use a home DNA test kit. All immigration DNA tests must be coordinated through an AABB-accredited laboratory in order for USCIS, a U.S. Embassy, or a U.S. Consulate to consider the DNA test results as evidence.
During the appointment, DNA samples are typically collected using a buccal swab, commonly referred to as a cheek swab. Once the petitioner’s DNA samples are collected, the specimens are shipped directly to the laboratory in the United States for processing.
After the petitioner’s samples arrive at the laboratory, the laboratory will prepare and ship the beneficiary’s DNA collection kit directly to the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate responsible for supervising the overseas DNA sample collection appointment.
Please keep in mind that under no circumstances should you personally receive the DNA test kit and attempt to ship it to the embassy or consulate yourself. All DNA collection kits must be shipped directly by the partner AABB-accredited laboratory as part of the required chain-of-custody process.
The DNA test kit shipped to the embassy or consulate will also include prepaid return shipping materials so the beneficiary’s DNA samples can be returned directly to the laboratory after collection.
Step 3: Laboratory DNA Analysis
Once all DNA samples arrive at the laboratory, the DNA analysis process will begin for all participants involved in the immigration DNA test. Upon the completion of the lab’s analysis, the lab will mail a copy of your results to the requesting immigration agency and an additional copy will be mailed to your home.
Learn more about our immigration DNA testing services here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take to receive DNA results?
The overall turnaround time for international immigration DNA testing cases can vary depending on the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate responsible for coordinating the beneficiary’s DNA sample collection appointment abroad.
Because embassy and consular workloads differ from country to country, the complete immigration DNA testing process may take anywhere from several weeks to several months.
Once all DNA samples arrive at the laboratory, the DNA testing process is typically completed within approximately 3 business days.
What if the beneficiary’s sample has not been collected before my response date?
Unfortunately, there is no way to require a U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate to expedite the beneficiary’s DNA sample collection appointment abroad. If IDTO DNA is assisting your family with the immigration DNA testing process, our partner AABB-accredited laboratory will oversee the case from start to finish in accordance with required chain-of-custody procedures.
At the time of the petitioner’s DNA sample collection appointment in the United States, the petitioner will receive a letter confirming that the immigration DNA testing process has been initiated. This letter may be submitted to USCIS as supporting evidence that your family has begun the DNA testing process.
Please keep in mind that submission of this letter does not guarantee that USCIS will extend your response deadline or prevent a case denial. USCIS will continue to evaluate each immigration case individually based on the totality of the evidence submitted.
Is Immigration DNA Testing required when I receive an I-130 Request For Evidence Letter?
No. Immigration DNA testing is generally considered a voluntary option and is not automatically required when receiving an I-130 Request for Evidence (RFE) letter from USCIS. In some immigration cases, USCIS may suggest DNA testing as secondary evidence when there is insufficient documentation available to help establish the claimed biological relationship between family members.
The most common immigration DNA testing relationships include paternity, maternity, and siblingship DNA testing. When properly coordinated through our partner AABB-accredited laboratory, DNA test results may be submitted to USCIS as supporting evidence for your immigration petition or Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA).
Conclusion:
Immigration DNA testing for I-130 petitions involves careful coordination between the laboratory, the U.S. Embassy or consulate, and both the petitioner and beneficiary. IDTO DNA manages this process from case initiation through result delivery, keeping your family informed at every stage.
Petitioners who have received an I-130 Request for Evidence (RFE) letter may begin the immigration DNA testing process by contacting IDTO DNA at 877-680-5800.
