What Is U.S. Embassy DNA Testing?
U.S. Embassy DNA testing refers to the immigration DNA testing process that may be suggested when a consular officer requests secondary evidence to help establish a claimed biological relationship for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) or immigrant visa case. This typically occurs when the primary evidence submitted, such as birth records or other civil documents, is considered insufficient to prove the claimed relationship.
Please keep in mind that U.S. embassies and consulates are responsible for coordinating and supervising the beneficiary’s overseas DNA sample collection appointment. This portion of the immigration DNA testing process is not controlled by the laboratory.
IDTO DNA’s partner AABB-accredited laboratory is responsible for initiating the immigration DNA testing case, overseeing the petitioner’s DNA sample collection process in the United States, shipping the DNA collection kit directly to the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate, and submitting the completed DNA test results to the requesting immigration agency.
How Does the DNA Specimen Collection Process Work:
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.
The sample collection appointments abroad generally must occur with U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country in which your family member/s currently reside.
If the petitioner resides in the United States, their sample will be collected there.
Step 2: Please note, petitioners located in the United States 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 accept the results 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 laboratory, the laboratory will prepare and ship the beneficiary’s DNA collection kit directly to the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate where the beneficiary is currently located.
Please keep in mind, 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 AABB accredited testing 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. Upon completion of the DNA analysis, the laboratory will submit the results directly to the requesting U.S. Embassy, U.S. Consulate, or immigration agency. An additional copy of your results will be mailed to your home address.
How Much Does U.S. Embassy DNA Testing Cost?
The cost of immigration DNA testing for embassy cases starts at $795.00 and up.
Costs vary depending on the country, the type of relationship being tested, and the number of participants involved. Contact our office at 877-680-5800 for a complete quote specific to your case.
How long will it take to receive my DNA results?
The average turnaround time for the completion of your result is 3 business days from the date on which the lab received all samples.
Please keep in mind, appointment scheduling by the embassy or consulate will vary from country to country, and may take several weeks or months depending on the embassy’s workload.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Will Beneficiaries Need to Bring to Their DNA Sample Collection Appointment?
Below is a list of documents and items beneficiaries may be required to bring to their embassy- or consulate-coordinated DNA sample collection appointment. Please keep in mind that appointment requirements may vary slightly depending on the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate handling the immigration case.
- Identification Requirements for Each Participant
- Original government-issued photo identification, such as a passport, driver’s license, or travel document
- One photocopy of the identification document
- English translation for any identification documents not issued in English
- Children Under 14 Years of Age
- Original government-issued birth certificate (hospital-issued birth records are generally not accepted)
- Photograph Requirements
- One passport-sized color photograph (5 cm x 5 cm) with a white background for each participant
- Applicants Under 18 Years of Age
- A parent or legal guardian must accompany the minor applicant
- The accompanying parent or legal guardian must present valid government-issued photo identification
- Translator Requirements
- Translators attending the appointment must provide valid government-issued photo identification
Why Do U.S. Embassies Suggest DNA Testing?
U.S. Embassies and U.S. Consulates may suggest voluntary immigration DNA testing when the primary evidence submitted during the immigrant visa or Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) process is considered insufficient to establish a claimed biological relationship.
Immigration DNA testing results may serve as secondary evidence to help support a visa or CRBA case; however, DNA test results alone do not guarantee visa issuance or CRBA approval. Final decisions are made by the requesting immigration agency based on the totality of the evidence submitted.
Important U.S. Embassy and Consulate DNA Testing Notes
Please keep in mind that U.S. Embassies and U.S. Consulates follow strict immigration DNA testing procedures regarding DNA sample collection, chain-of-custody requirements, and evidence submission. The information below may help petitioners and beneficiaries better understand common embassy DNA testing requirements and restrictions.
- U.S. Embassies and U.S. Consulates generally only accept immigration DNA test results obtained through buccal swab collections, commonly referred to as cheek swab DNA testing.
- Petitioners and beneficiaries are responsible for all immigration DNA testing costs, including laboratory fees, shipping costs, physician or collection fees, and embassy-related collection expenses. Most fees are required to be paid in advance.
- U.S. Embassies and U.S. Consulates do not establish DNA testing pricing, intervene in laboratory fee disputes, or issue refunds for unused DNA collection kits.
- Immigration DNA test results must be submitted directly by our partner AABB-accredited laboratory to the requesting U.S. Embassy, U.S. Consulate, or immigration agency. DNA test results submitted directly by the petitioner or beneficiary are generally not accepted.
- U.S. Embassies and U.S. Consulates do not assume responsibility for the services, practices, or performance of independent DNA testing laboratories.
- Participation in immigration DNA testing does not guarantee immigrant visa issuance, passport approval, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) approval. Immigration agencies will continue to evaluate the totality of the evidence submitted with the case.
- Negative DNA test results may result in additional case review, petition revocation, or immigration case denial by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or other immigration authorities.
- Providing false statements or fraudulent information during the immigration process may result in immigration penalties or visa-related consequences.
- Immigration DNA testing should not be initiated unless DNA testing has been recommended or requested by USCIS, a U.S. Embassy, or a U.S. Consulate. DNA tests performed independently outside of required U.S. embassies or USCIS procedures are generally not accepted for immigration purposes.
- Petitioners should only pay for DNA testing services involving the individuals specifically recommended or requested for testing by the immigration agency. Additional participants not authorized for testing may not be included in the immigration DNA testing process.
Conclusion:
Petitioners and beneficiaries seeking to initiate the U.S. Embassy immigration DNA testing process may contact IDTO DNA at 877-680-5800. Our office will coordinate your case with our partner AABB-accredited laboratory from case initiation through result delivery, keeping your family informed throughout the process.
