DNA Q&A

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Terminology –
A Petitioner is the person residing in the US or US Citizen sponsoring the Beneficiary.
A Beneficiary is the person requesting a US Visa or Immigration Document.

What is a DNA Test?

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Testing is the most accurate and widely available technology to test a biological relationship. The preferred specimen collection technique for DNA Testing is by buccal (cheek or mouth) swab. Cells are collected from the inside cheek or mouth using a long cotton swab. This type of DNA Test is easy, non-invasive and painless.

Why is DNA Testing Used for Immigration?

Genetic testing is a useful tool for verifying stated biological relationship when no other form of credible evidence is available. DNA Technology is the only non-documentary method accepted for proof of a biological relationship.

If no documents are available is DNA a requirement for Immigration Status?

While Immigration DNA Testing is entirely voluntary, it may be a suitable alternative when no other documentation is available.

Does DNA Testing assure acceptance of US Immigration status?

Immigration DNA Testing does not guarantee the subsequent issuance of a visa or immigration document.

Can any medical laboratory in the US perform Immigration DNA Testing?

DNA Testing must be processed by a laboratory that is accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB). There are only 40 in the United States.
GenQuest is one of only approximately 40 AABB Accredited Laboratories worldwide.
GenQuest DNA Laboratory has been an AABB Accredited facility for over 10 years.

Who performs testing in foreign countries?

All DNA collection is done in the Consular Section of the US Embassy or Consulate by a designated physician or medical technician and witnessed by Embassy officers managing the process. Once the DNA sample is collected, it is sent directly to GenQuest for testing.

Who pays for Immigration DNA Testing?

The Petitioner or Beneficiary is responsible for payment to the AABB Accredited Lab and also must cover payment to DNA collection sites when applicable.

How long does Immigration DNA Testing take?

DNA Testing for Immigration purposes can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to several months, depending upon the country or embassy involved in the process. If all participants are located in the United States, testing is usually completed within a month or less.

What do I do if my deadline is near?

If your deadline is near and you have already started an Immigration DNA Test with our laboratory, GenQuest can provide a letter which proves that testing has been started. You can submit this letter with your own correspondence to the requesting agency to ask for an extension.

What if I do not live in the Reno/Sparks, Nevada area?

GenQuest frequently works with clients from all across the United States.
We can easily arrange for DNA collection anywhere in the US, and have all required testing documentation faxed or emailed to our office to get testing started.