Immigration Law

DNA Testing During Visa Application Process

By Robert Kraft

Individuals unable to provide documentation to prove a biological relationship may prove the biological relationship through DNA testing. The DNA testing is the only acceptable non-documentary method, and only if no other credible proof of the relationship exists. Thus, all other methods for confirming a biological relationship must be exhausted, and a consular officer will recommend DNA testing only as the last resort.

Once the consular officer recommends the DNA testing, a lab technician employed by the panel physician will take the DNA collection at the U.S. embassy or consulate (off-site testing facilities are not acceptable). The DNA collection is witnessed by the consular officer or another American citizen employee of the consular section possessing national security clearance. Once the DNA collection has been taken, the consular officer will forward the petition to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) since USCIS is authorized to approve petitions supported solely on DNA testing, and consular officers are not authorized. In order to prove a biological relationship, the DNA test results must show 99.5% or greater between a parent and a child to be accepted.
 
For more information on other possible methods for confirming existence of a biological relationship or DNA testing, call Kraft & Associates at 214-999-9999.

Full post as published by Immigration Law Answers Blog on January 04, 2010 (boomark / email).