Immigration DNA Testing NYC (USCIS & Embassy Cases)
If you need immigration DNA testing in NYC, we provide appointment-based DNA relationship testing with in-person collection, clear case guidance, and coordination for embassy, consular, and certain USCIS-related requests. We help petitioners start the process through an AABB-accredited laboratory partner and explain what happens next.
Typical turnaround: many immigration DNA cases are completed in about 2–3 weeks after both samples are collected, although overseas embassy or consular scheduling can add time.
Call your nearest NYC collection site:
Queens 718-585-4844 • Manhattan 212-235-1857 • Brooklyn 347-630-8222 • Bronx 929-242-3717 • Staten Island 718-841-7200
Why Choose NYC DNA Testing for Immigration DNA Testing?
CASE GUIDANCE
We help you understand the next step after a DNA request from USCIS, an embassy, or a consular section—and schedule the petitioner collection in NYC.
Embassy and international timelines can vary by country
AABB-ACCREDITED LAB PARTNER
U.S. immigration and citizenship-related DNA cases must be initiated through an AABB-accredited relationship testing laboratory or collection/verification site.
DOCUMENTED COLLECTION
Identity verification, buccal swab collection, and direct kit routing help support acceptance for official immigration or consular use.
GLOBAL COORDINATION
For many cases involving a relative abroad, the overseas sample is coordinated through the embassy, consulate, or other official collection site designated for the case.
When Immigration DNA Testing May Be Requested
Immigrant Visa / Embassy Cases
For immigrant visa cases, the U.S. Department of State says DNA relationship testing is generally used only when no other credible evidence of the biological relationship is available. Commonly tested relationships include paternity, maternity, full siblingship, and half siblingship. More distant relationships are generally not relied on for immigrant visa cases. Testing is voluntary and does not guarantee visa issuance.
Citizenship / Passport / CRBA Cases
For citizenship, passport, or CRBA cases arising from birth abroad, Department of State guidance says DNA testing may be used to help establish a biological relationship when other evidence is insufficient. In those cases, common tested relationships can include paternity, maternity, full/half siblingship, and certain avuncular or paternal grandparent relationships depending on the specific claim.
Important federal note
U.S. Department of State guidance says DNA testing for immigrant visa and citizenship-related cases should generally be used only when other credible evidence is unavailable or insufficient. It is voluntary, the petitioner and/or beneficiary pay the related costs, and it supports a claimed biological relationship—but it does not guarantee visa, passport, CRBA, or other immigration approval.
What makes immigration DNA testing acceptable for U.S. cases
For immigration and citizenship-related DNA testing, acceptance depends on who initiates the case, how samples are collected, and how results are reported.
Our NYC collection process includes:
- AABB-accredited laboratory partner
- In-person buccal swab collection
- Photo ID / identity verification
- Direct kit routing through official channels
- Secure chain of custody and direct results reporting
Laboratory credentials (AABB accreditation + NYSDOH permit for New York specimens)
Testing is performed by our laboratory partners who are AABB-accredited for relationship testing. For New York specimens, laboratories located in or accepting specimens from New York State must hold a New York State Department of Health clinical laboratory permit. Together, those requirements support documented collection, traceability, and appropriate reporting for official cases.
How Immigration DNA Testing Works (Simple Process)
Review the Request
Call the nearest NYC collection site and tell us which agency, embassy, or consular office requested DNA testing. We’ll explain the likely next step and confirm what to bring.
Petitioner Collection
Choose a convenient appointment for the U.S.-based petitioner or relative. We collect the sample in person with identity verification and documented handling.
Overseas Collection
If a beneficiary or relative is abroad, the AABB lab routes the kit directly to the embassy, consulate, or other official collection site designated for the case. The overseas applicant is then contacted for collection.
Results Sent Directly
After both samples are processed, the AABB laboratory sends the results directly to the embassy, consulate, or USCIS office managing the case. Many cases finish in about 2–3 weeks after collection, but overseas logistics can make timelines longer.
What to Bring to Your NYC Appointment
Bring the details that help us start the case correctly.
For the U.S.-based petitioner or relative
- Valid government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license, or other photo ID)
- Case reference details such as a request letter, embassy notice, or agency/case number if you have one
If multiple U.S.-based relatives are testing
- Bring photo ID for each adult participant
Helpful details to have ready
- The beneficiary’s full name, date of birth, and country of residence (if available)
Before Your Appointment
To help ensure a clean cheek swab sample, please avoid:
- Eating or drinking
- Chewing gum
- Smoking or vaping
Cost, Timing & What Affects the Quote
Immigration DNA cases usually cost more than standard domestic testing because they may involve international coordination.
Pricing depends on the relationship being tested, the number of participants, the destination country, and any overseas collection, shipping, or panel-physician fees required for the case.
Many immigration DNA cases are completed in about 2–3 weeks after both samples are collected, but embassy or consular scheduling can extend the timeline.
- Relationship type (for example, paternity, maternity, or siblingship)
- Number of participants
- Overseas coordination / shipping fees where applicable
Where to Start Immigration DNA Testing in NYC
We can schedule petitioner collection at appointment-based locations across New York City:
Mobile Collection for the U.S.-Based Participant (By Request)
If the U.S.-based petitioner or relative cannot visit a location, mobile collection may be available in some cases (conditions apply). Call to confirm availability and coordination.
FAQ — Immigration DNA Testing in NYC
Is DNA testing mandatory for immigration cases?
Usually not. For immigrant visa and citizenship-related cases, DNA testing is generally suggested only when other credible evidence of the biological relationship is not available or sufficient. It is voluntary, but when a consular officer or agency asks for it, DNA testing is often the most reliable way to support the claimed relationship.
Will USCIS or an embassy accept an at-home DNA kit?
No. For official immigration or consular use, the petitioner must not receive the DNA kit directly. The case must be initiated through an AABB-accredited relationship testing lab, and the kit is routed through the proper official channel for the overseas collection.
What kind of DNA sample is used for immigration testing?
Immigration DNA testing generally uses a simple buccal (cheek) swab. U.S. Department of State guidance says cheek swabs are preferred because they are non-invasive, painless, and easier to ship than blood samples.
How long does immigration DNA testing take?
Many cases are completed in about 2–3 weeks after both samples are collected, but timing can vary based on the country, embassy scheduling, shipping, and any local collection requirements.
Who pays for immigration DNA testing?
The petitioner and/or beneficiary pay the laboratory, shipping, and related collection costs in advance. DNA testing can support a relationship claim, but it does not guarantee visa, passport, CRBA, or other immigration approval.
What do I need to bring to my NYC appointment?
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and any embassy, consular, or USCIS request details you have (for example a request letter, case number, or reference details). If more than one U.S.-based adult is testing, bring ID for each adult participant.
How is the overseas sample collected?
After the AABB lab receives the petitioner’s sample, it sends the kit to the embassy, consulate, or other official collection site designated for the case. The overseas applicant is then contacted with collection instructions and an appointment process.
Can you coordinate testing if my family member is outside the U.S.?
Yes. That is how many immigration DNA cases work. Coordination depends on the destination country, the case type, and whether the overseas collection is handled through an embassy, consulate, or other official collection site designated for the case.
Does DNA testing guarantee visa, passport, or citizenship approval?
No. DNA testing helps establish a claimed biological relationship, but the final immigration or consular decision remains with the agency handling the case.
Which relationships are most commonly tested for immigration cases?
For immigrant visa cases, common relationship types include paternity, maternity, full siblingship, and half siblingship. Some citizenship or CRBA cases may also involve other relationship testing, depending on the case and the requesting authority.
Questions About Embassy or USCIS Coordination?
Got a DNA request from USCIS or an embassy?
Call before you schedule if you already received a request letter, case number, or embassy instruction.
- We explain the likely next step
- We tell you what to bring to the NYC appointment
- We confirm whether the case involves embassy or USCIS coordination