Immigration DNA testing is often required when official documents are missing, unavailable, or insufficient to prove a biological relationship. If you are applying for a U.S. visa, green card, or family-based immigration, understanding the DNA testing requirements is critical to avoid delays or rejection.
This guide explains when immigration DNA testing is required, how the process works, who regulates it, and how to choose the right DNA testing center.
What Is Immigration DNA Testing?
Immigration DNA testing is a legal DNA test used to verify biological relationships for immigration purposes.
It is commonly required by:
- USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services)
- U.S. embassies and consulates
- Department of State (DOS)
Unlike home DNA kits, immigration DNA testing follows strict legal and laboratory standards.
When Is Immigration DNA Testing Required?
DNA testing is usually requested when:
- Birth certificates are missing or unreliable
- Documents contain errors or inconsistencies
- Records were destroyed due to war, disaster, or poor record-keeping
- Fraud prevention is necessary
- The relationship cannot be clearly proven by documents alone
Common relationships tested:
- Parent–child
- Siblings
- Grandparent–grandchild
- Aunt/uncle relationships (in limited cases)
Who Requires Immigration DNA Testing?
DNA testing is never initiated by the applicant alone. It must be:
- Requested by USCIS or a U.S. embassy/consulate
- Voluntary but strongly recommended once requested
- Conducted following official instructions
⚠️ Submitting DNA results without an official request may result in rejection.
AABB Accreditation: The Most Important Requirement
All immigration DNA testing must be performed by an AABB-accredited laboratory.
What Is AABB?
AABB (formerly the American Association of Blood Banks) is the organization authorized by the U.S. government to:
- Accredit DNA laboratories
- Set standards for immigration DNA testing
- Monitor quality and compliance
Only AABB-accredited labs are accepted for immigration cases.
Chain of Custody Requirements
Immigration DNA testing requires a strict chain of custody, which ensures:
- Proper identity verification
- Secure sample handling
- Tamper-proof documentation
Chain of Custody Includes:
- Government-issued photo ID verification
- Witnessed DNA sample collection
- Sealed and tracked samples
- Direct shipment to the lab
- Results sent directly to USCIS or the embassy
At-home DNA kits are not allowed.
How the Immigration DNA Testing Process Works
Step 1: Official DNA Test Request
USCIS or the embassy issues written instructions for DNA testing.
Step 2: Choose an AABB-Accredited Lab
Applicants select a certified lab from the AABB-approved list.
Step 3: Sample Collection
- U.S. participants visit an authorized DNA testing center
- Overseas participants are scheduled at a U.S. embassy-approved facility
Step 4: Laboratory Analysis
The lab analyzes DNA markers to confirm biological relationships.
Step 5: Result Submission
Results are sent directly to USCIS or the embassy, not to the applicant.
How Long Does Immigration DNA Testing Take?
Typical timelines:
- Lab processing: 3–7 business days
- Overseas coordination: 2–12 weeks
- Embassy scheduling: varies by country
Overall processing time depends heavily on international coordination.
How Much Does Immigration DNA Testing Cost?
Immigration DNA testing is more expensive than standard tests due to documentation and international coordination.
Estimated costs:
- Parent–child test: $400–$700
- Sibling test: $500–$900
- Multiple participants: higher cost
Additional fees may include:
- Embassy collection fees
- International shipping
- Translation or administrative costs
What Happens If the DNA Test Fails?
If the biological relationship is not confirmed:
- USCIS may deny the petition
- Applicants may submit additional evidence
- Appeals are possible but complex
Accuracy typically exceeds 99.99% when the relationship exists.
Can Immigration DNA Testing Be Done Locally?
Yes. In the U.S., samples are collected at:
- Authorized DNA testing centers
- Mobile collection sites (in some cities)
Directory platforms like dnacentersusa.com help applicants find approved immigration DNA testing centers near them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using an at-home DNA test
- Choosing a non–AABB-accredited lab
- Collecting samples without authorization
- Sending results yourself
- Missing embassy instructions
Any of these mistakes can delay or invalidate your case.
Immigration DNA testing plays a vital role in verifying family relationships for U.S. immigration cases. By following AABB accreditation requirements, chain-of-custody procedures, and official instructions, applicants can avoid costly delays and rejections.
Choosing the right certified DNA testing center ensures a smooth, compliant, and reliable immigration DNA testing process.