Why do I need a DNA test for immigration?

DNA tests can be required as part of the immigration application if other proof for biological parenthood, such as a birth certificate or other records, do not exist or are insufficient. Often, biological familial relationships must be proven to obtain an Immigrant visa, a passport for another country, or Consular Reports of Birth Abroad. An Immigration DNA test may also be needed to qualify an applicant for an immigration benefit based on family relationships.

In the United States, this immigration DNA testing must be performed by an AABB accredited DNA testing laboratory, such as our lab, and cannot be performed via home DNA test kits or non-accredited testing laboratories. If you do obtain a DNA test that is not from an AABB accredited laboratory, you risk rejection of your results.

Before proceeding with immigration DNA testing, make sure you’ve received written authority from the U.S. Department of State, USCIS, or U.S. Embassy. If you proceed with the DNA test without written authority, your test results may be rejected.

Therefore, the first step to obtaining a DNA test for immigration is to make sure you’ve received written authority to do so. The next step is to contact an AABB accredited lab, such as our lab. We will walk you through the entire DNA testing process. 

How do DNA tests for immigration work?

When we perform a DNA test, we usually collect buccal cells, or cheek cells, from inside a person’s cheek using a cheek swab made of cotton. We will need swab samples from all required individuals to be tested. This is a non-invasive, painless procedure.

Each person has a unique set of DNA. All of a person’s DNA put together is called a genome. When people are related, their genomes are more similar to each other than when they are not related. When we compare the genomes of multiple people, we are able to see how similar the genomes are. This comparison is called DNA profiling. For a paternity or maternity test for immigration, we are able to use this genome comparison to give a probability that the two individuals are related.

After we perform the DNA test, you will receive a percentage result. This percentage represents the probability that the two individuals are related. If the probability is 0% then they are not related. If they are related, the probability may be as high as 99.99%. These DNA tests are extremely accurate.

In the United States, this percentage result is required to show at least 99.5% probability of relatedness for immigration purposes. We are required to send these original test results directly to the requesting authority.

What if the other individual to be tested lives far away?

If the other individual to be tested, such as a parent or sibling, lives in another state or country, we will coordinate with another AABB accredited laboratory in their area so that they can be tested as well. We will ensure that you get the DNA testing you need to complete your immigration application or other immigration process.

Contact us today to schedule an immigration DNA test appointment with the best AABB-accredited DNA testing lab in NYC.

718-701-0292

———

References:

https://dnacenter.com/immigration-dna-testing/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DNA_paternity_testing

https://www.verywellfamily.com/about-paternity-tests-1270746

https://dnacenter.com/blog/are-home-paternity-tests-accurate/