DNA Testing For Immigration Purposes

DNA testing has become an increasingly essential tool in the immigration process, providing a scientific and reliable method to establish biological relationships between individuals. This article will provide an overview of DNA testing for immigration purposes, covering key aspects such as the types of relationships tested, the sample collection process.

What is Immigration DNA Testing?

DNA Testing for Immigration Purposes DNA testing is a valuable tool for immigration authorities to verify claimed biological relationships between petitioners and beneficiaries. In situations where documentary evidence is insufficient or questionable, DNA testing can provide a definitive answer.

It is particularly useful for establishing paternity, maternity, and siblingship relationships.

Types of Family DNA Relationships Tests for immigration purposes recommended to verify claimed biological relationships: 

1. Paternity testing: Determines the biological relationship between the father of a child. 

2. Maternity testing: Confirms the biological relationship between the mother of a child. 

3. Siblingship testing: Establishes whether individuals are biologically full or half-siblings. 

4. Grandparent relationships: Verifies the biological relationship between grandparents and grandchild/ren.

DNA Sample Collection Process

The DNA sample collection process involves both the petitioner in the U.S. and the beneficiary abroad. 

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 Testing (Both Parties in the U.S.):

1. Initiate the process: Contact us at 877-680-5800 for immigration DNA testing services by our partner AABB-accredited lab.
2. Sample collection: Schedule an appointment at a collection facility near you. Both parties will provide buccal swab samples (cheek swabs).
3. Testing and analysis: The laboratory analyzes the samples.
4. Results: Results are typically available within 3 business days and sent to the requesting USCIS office and both parties involved.

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International Testing (One Party Abroad):

1. Initiate the process: Similar to domestic testing, contact our office at 877-680-5800 for case initiation and appointment coordination.
2. Petitioner’s sample collection: You (the petitioner in the U.S.) will provide a buccal swab sample at a designated collection facility.
3. Beneficiary’s sample collection: The U.S. embassy or consulate where the beneficiary resides will supervise the beneficiary’s buccal swab sample collection.
4. 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.
5. 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.

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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.