Immigration DNA Testing

When USCIS Requires DNA Testing

USCIS or a U.S. embassy may request DNA testing at any stage of the immigration process when the submitted documentation does not sufficiently prove a biological relationship. This commonly occurs with family-based visa petitions, including I-130 Petition for Alien Relative filings, when birth certificates are unavailable, contain errors, or are from countries with unreliable civil registration systems.

DNA testing for immigration purposes is always voluntary. However, refusing to submit to testing when requested by USCIS may result in denial of the petition due to insufficient evidence. The test provides an objective, scientific means of verifying the claimed relationship with over 99.99% accuracy.

Common relationships verified through immigration DNA testing include parent and child (both paternity and maternity), siblings, grandparents and grandchildren, and other biological family connections relevant to the immigration petition. The specific test ordered depends on the relationship claimed in the case.

How the Immigration DNA Testing Process Works

The immigration DNA testing process begins when you receive a request from USCIS or a U.S. embassy asking for DNA evidence. Contact TestMark DNA immediately after receiving this request. Our team will review your case documentation, explain the process, and begin coordinating sample collections for all participants.

For the participant located in the United States, we schedule an appointment at the nearest certified collection site from our network of over 2,297 locations. A trained collector verifies identity with government-issued photo ID, photographs the participant, completes chain-of-custody documentation, and collects buccal swab samples from inside the cheek. Everything is sealed in tamper-evident packaging.

For participants located outside the United States, TestMark DNA sends a DNA collection kit to the designated U.S. embassy or consulate in the participant's country. The embassy coordinates the sample collection appointment where the overseas participant undergoes the same identification verification and chain-of-custody procedures. The sealed samples are sent back to our laboratory in the United States.

Once all samples arrive at the AABB-accredited laboratory, testing begins immediately. Results are typically available within 3 to 5 business days. The official report is sent directly to the requesting USCIS office, embassy, or consulate. The petitioner also receives a copy.

AABB Accreditation Requirements

USCIS and U.S. embassies require that immigration DNA testing be performed by an AABB-accredited laboratory. The American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) sets the standards for relationship testing laboratories, including requirements for quality control, proficiency testing, chain-of-custody procedures, and reporting standards. TestMark DNA works exclusively with AABB-accredited laboratories that meet and exceed these requirements.

AABB accreditation ensures that every step of the testing process - from sample collection through laboratory analysis to results reporting - follows rigorous standards designed to produce accurate, reliable results. This accreditation is not optional for immigration cases. Results from non-accredited laboratories will not be accepted by USCIS or U.S. embassies.

International Coordination

One of the unique challenges of immigration DNA testing is coordinating sample collection across international borders. TestMark DNA has extensive experience managing this process. We handle the logistics of shipping collection kits to embassies and consulates worldwide, communicating with embassy staff about scheduling, and ensuring that all chain-of-custody requirements are met regardless of where the collection takes place.

Our team stays in contact with you throughout the entire process, providing updates on kit delivery, collection scheduling, and laboratory status. We understand that immigration timelines can be stressful, and we work to move every case forward as quickly as possible while maintaining the strict protocols required for USCIS acceptance.