Is DNA Testing Mandatory By USCIS

Does USCIS require DNA Testing to be performed?

No, DNA relationship testing is a voluntary option for petitioners and beneficiaries when they fail to provide sufficient evidence to support their claimed biological relationship while applying for an immigrant visa. It is considered a secondary option by USCIS, and it is not advisable to conduct genetic testing prior to receiving a Request for Evidence (RFE) from USCIS.

USCIS DNA Testing Procedure:

The following outlines the typical process for genetic testing:

RFE Letter: The petitioner must have a copy of their I-130 Request For Evidence letter.
Contacting the Laboratory: Call our office at 888-204-0583, where our partner AABB-accredited lab will initiate your case.
Sample Collection Appointment: If the petitioner is in the U.S., they will schedule a DNA sample collection appointment. For beneficiaries abroad, a DNA test kit will be shipped to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for sample collection.
Collection Process: The U.S. Consular Section will oversee the beneficiary’s DNA sample collection and will contact the beneficiary with appointment details. The consulate’s medical facility will send the samples back to the U.S. laboratory.
Testing and Results: Once all samples arrive at the laboratory, testing will commence. The results will be sent to USCIS and a second copy will be provided to the petitioner.

For more detailed information on the immigration DNA testing process, please contact us at 888-204-0583.

Is DNA testing mandatory for CRBA and U.S. Passport issuance?

No, DNA testing is voluntary for both Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) cases and U.S. Passport applications. All voluntary DNA testing services are conducted under strict supervision by our AABB-accredited laboratory.

What Secondary Evidence Documents Are Recognized

USCIS accepts various secondary documents as evidence, including:

Medical or health records
Church records or religious documents
Early school records
Insurance records
Employment records
Financial records
Government records or identification

All submitted evidence should include:

Names of all parties involved (e.g., child and parent(s))
Relevant dates (e.g., birth, marriage)
Official stamps, seals, or signatures

If secondary evidence is unavailable, an affidavit can be submitted as tertiary evidence, although it carries less weight. Each affidavit must be submitted by at least two individuals with direct knowledge of the event.

When is DNA Required for Immigration?

DNA testing is suggested by immigration officials when there is insufficient primary evidence to prove a biological relationship in an immigrant visa application. This usually occurs when USCIS or a U.S. Embassy consular officer deems the submitted evidence inadequate.

What Do I Need to Perform an Immigration Test?

To perform a compliant DNA test for immigration purposes:

Receive an RFE: The petitioner must first receive an office action called a Request For Evidence letter from USCIS or a U.S. Embassy Consular Officer.
Contact Our Office: Once in possession of this letter, contact our office at 888-204-0583 to schedule an appointment or inquire about the testing process.

It is not recommended to perform a DNA test before receiving an RFE, as this may necessitate conducting another test later.

For additional information, please visit the U.S. Dept of State website or contact us directly.