DNA Testing

If a Consular Officer suggests DNA testing as a means of substantiating a claimed family relationship, he/she will give the applicant a letter of instruction about the DNA testing process. These instructions can also be found by clicking here.

The Department of State has determined that DNA testing, when conducted under conditions established by the Department, is a reliable way to substantiate or refute a claimed family relationship.  Standard Department instructions require that we advise you of the following:

• Testing is absolutely voluntary;
• The costs of testing and related expenses (such as doctor's fees and the cost of transmitting testing materials and blood samples) must be borne exclusively by the petitioner and/or beneficiary and must be paid in advance; and
• Submitting to testing in no way guarantees the subsequent issuance of an immigrant visa.

The petitioner may choose to use any DNA laboratory that is accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) and conducts buccal swab testing. A list of AABB-accredited testing labs can be found at: http://www.aabb.org/Content/Accreditation/Parentage_Testing_Accreditation_Program/
AABB_Accredited_Parentage_Testing_Laboratories/aboutptlabs.htm.