Definition
Immigration DNA testing
DNA testing performed to satisfy USCIS or embassy evidence requirements when a biological relationship is in question and civil documents are unavailable, inconsistent, or insufficient. Must be performed at an AABB-accredited laboratory under chain-of-custody, with the foreign beneficiary tested at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Also known as: USCIS DNA test, I-130 DNA test, Embassy DNA test
Related: AABB accreditation, I-130 petition, Form I-864, K-1 visa
Why does USCIS require AABB accreditation?
USCIS requires AABB accreditation because the standards govern every part of the testing process: laboratory training, sample handling, identity verification, chain of custody, and result reporting. The accreditation is the most reliable single signal that results are trustworthy. The USCIS Policy Manual (Volume 6, Part B, Chapter 4) names AABB accreditation as the testing requirement for petition evidence.
How does immigration DNA testing work?
Call (866) 873-0879
We review your USCIS Form I-130 (or other) and confirm requirements for your petition type.
Schedule the U.S. petitioner
Witnessed buccal swab at an AABB-accredited collection site, with photo ID verification.
Coordinate with the embassy or consulate
We ship a kit and instructions to the appropriate U.S. embassy or consulate where the foreign beneficiary will be tested.
Witnessed collection abroad
Embassy or consulate staff perform the witnessed collection under chain-of-custody protocols.
AABB lab analysis
Our laboratory analyzes 20+ STR markers and produces a certified report.
Delivery to USCIS or embassy
Results are sent directly to the requesting officer or embassy per your case file specifications.
Which immigration cases require DNA testing?
DNA testing is most often used in family-based petitions when civil documents are unavailable or insufficient. Common cases include IR-2 petitions for unmarried children of U.S. citizens, F-1 and F-2 family preference petitions, K-1 and K-2 fiancé(e) petitions, and refugee or asylum reunification cases. The petitioner typically requests testing or USCIS asks for it during adjudication.
How much does immigration DNA testing cost?
Immigration test pricing
| Petition type | Participants | Coordination | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paternity (IR-2 / F-1) | U.S. petitioner + foreign child | Embassy or consulate | $499 to $749 |
| Maternity | U.S. petitioner + foreign child | Embassy or consulate | $499 to $749 |
| Full sibling | Two foreign siblings, often with reference parent | Embassy or consulate | $549 to $849 |
| Multi-party | Petitioner + multiple beneficiaries | Embassy or consulate | $799 to $1,299 |
Pricing depends on the embassy, beneficiaries, and rush requirements.
Questions about which option is right for you? (866) 873-0879.
USCIS requires that all immigration DNA testing be performed at an AABB-accredited laboratory under chain-of-custody protocols, with results delivered directly to the requesting officer.