USCIS DNA Testing: Some Helpful Reminders About Immigration DNA Testing

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is a part of the Department of Homeland Security that handles immigration applications. Visa applications require providing evidence to substantiate familial ties between the petitioner and beneficiary.

The USCIS DNA testing plays a very important role in the Immigration Process. In some cases, the petitioner or beneficiary is not able to access certain documents and they are not providing the USCIS with enough supporting evidence. As a result, they will advise both parties to seek USCIS DNA testing to substantiate their claims of a biological tie.

There are strict policies regarding USCIS DNA testing. Also, deviating from their policies potentially results in ruining your case. As a result, your smartest strategy is learning these guidelines and following them accordingly.

“The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is a part of the Department of Homeland Security that handles immigration applications. Visa applications require providing evidence to substantiate familial ties between the petitioner and beneficiary.“

What You Shouldn’t Forget About USCIS DNA Testing

To make your lives a little easier, we are outlining some helpful reminders to consider about DNA testing in NYC here:

Choose Your DNA Testing Site Carefully

The USCIS only accepts DNA testing results from laboratories accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks, or the AABB. Hence, finding an AABB accredited DNA testing site in NYC is absolutely necessary.

A DNA Siblingship Test is Now an Option

Up until 2018, the USCIS was only accepting Paternity and Maternity DNA testing in NYC for visa applications. However, thanks to DNA testing technology advancing, they are now accepting DNA siblingship tests as well. Ultimately, what this means is that even siblings can petition their siblings to immigrate to the US when parents are not available. However, both parties must be able to establish that they are borne of the same parent.

A Home DNA Test Kit Does Not Cut It

Home DNA testing kits do not provide what’s considered ‘legal’ DNA testing in NYC. Specifically, DNA testing results that hold up in court cases like immigration and paternity cases. Hence, you want to stay away from these when you’re working on an immigration application.

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You are Responsible for Paying USCIS DNA Testing Fees

The USCIS suggests you take these tests in cases where you are not providing sufficient supporting documentation. However, it’s worth noting that you are responsible for paying the fees for both the petitioner and the beneficiary’s DNA testing.

The Beneficiary’s DNA Testing Kit Should be Shipped to Their Embassy Directly, Not to You

While most AABB-accredited DNA testing labs know this, it’s good to keep it fresh in your memory just in case they slip up. Ultimately, you don’t want any mishaps ruining your chances of bringing your family member over.

We hope you enjoyed this quick recap of some of the USCIS DNA testing highlights. Learn each step and follow it carefully, as your family member depends on it. Finally, we encourage you to continue reading the rest of the articles for more information on DNA testing in NYC. Also, if you’re having trouble finding the right DNA testing site, give us a call. Ultimately, our highest priority is keeping you informed.