Immigration DNA test: how it works and what it costs

Immigration DNA testing is voluntary. USCIS and consular officers may suggest it when a birth certificate or other primary evidence is missing or unreliable, but they can't require it. AABB, the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies, accredits relationship testing labs, and the federal government requires AABB accreditation for DNA tests in visa, passport and citizenship cases. If you go ahead, the petitioner, meaning the U.S. citizen or permanent resident who filed for the relative, picks a lab from AABB's list of accredited facilities and contacts it directly. AABB says these samples are accepted only when the case is set up directly between the petitioner and an accredited lab. A test ordered through a reseller doesn't qualify, which is why we don't offer one.

When USCIS or the State Department suggests a DNA test

USCIS may suggest DNA testing at any point while it decides a case. Its Policy Manual says officers should suggest it only when primary evidence is unavailable or unreliable and the other evidence falls short. Declining to test should not be the only reason for a denial, but the case is then decided on the evidence you provided. Consular officers follow similar rules. The State Department's Foreign Affairs Manual says they may recommend testing but not require it, and must warn that testing doesn't guarantee a visa.

How the immigration DNA test process works

1. Get the request in writing. USCIS or the embassy tells you that DNA testing is an option, often in a request for evidence. Labs such as Labcorp ask for that document.
2. Choose an AABB-accredited lab. Use AABB's list. AABB says a facility that isn't on the list isn't currently accredited.
3. Pay the lab in advance. The State Department says the petitioner or the relative bears all testing costs and pays the lab in advance.
4. The petitioner gives a sample in the United States. The lab books a collection appointment near the petitioner.
5. The lab sends a kit to the embassy or consulate. The consular section schedules and oversees the relative's collection, then ships the sample back to the lab.
6. The lab reports the results. Results go directly to USCIS or the embassy or consulate, not through you. Labcorp also sends a copy to the U.S. petitioner.

How much does an immigration DNA test cost?

AABB says each accredited lab sets its own fees. As one example, Labcorp's immigration page listed testing from $550 on November 14, 2026. Labcorp adds that each person tested at an embassy or consulate also pays for the collection technician's services there, and that health insurance doesn't cover DNA testing. When you compare labs, ask for a quote that covers every person tested, the U.S. collection, and the overseas kit and shipping. For tests outside immigration, see how much a paternity test costs.

What results USCIS and consulates accept

For a parent and child, the State Department accepts results showing a probability of 99.5% or more. For full or half siblings, it treats 90% or more as evidence that the relationship exists, and treats many lower results as inconclusive. A test that includes the siblings' shared parent is generally more reliable than testing siblings alone. The State Department doesn't recommend tests for aunts, uncles, cousins or other distant relatives, because they can't reach the 99.5% standard. Our guide to reading paternity test results explains how these probabilities are calculated.

How long it takes

AABB says most tests are reported in a week or less once the lab has all the samples. Scheduling the collection at the embassy and shipping the sample back add time, so ask the lab and the embassy what to expect.

To start, choose a lab from AABB's list and contact it directly. If you need a DNA test for something other than immigration, such as child support or custody, see our legal paternity test.

Questions

Does USCIS require a DNA test?

No. USCIS says it has no statutory or regulatory authority to require DNA results. It can only suggest testing, and then decides the case on the evidence it has.

Can I use a home DNA test for immigration?

No. AABB says immigration samples are accepted only when the petitioner sets up the case directly with an AABB-accredited lab, and the embassy or consulate oversees the relative's collection.

Who pays for an immigration DNA test?

The petitioner, the relative or both. The State Department says all costs are paid to the lab in advance.

Does a DNA test guarantee a visa?

No. The State Department tells consular officers to warn applicants that testing doesn't guarantee a visa.

Sources

• USCIS: Policy Manual, Volume 1, Part E, Chapter 6, Evidence
• U.S. Department of State: 9 FAM 601.11, Visas and DNA
• AABB: DNA (relationship) testing FAQs
• AABB: Accredited relationship (DNA) testing facilities
• Labcorp: Legal immigration DNA testing (dna.labcorp.com)