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Genetic (DNA) Testing

General information about DNA testing

DNA testing is used to establish a biological relationship between two people. DNA tests are voluntary, and all related costs must be assumed by the applicant or the interested party and must be paid directly to the laboratory. DNA testing does not guarantee the issuance of a United States (U.S.) visa or the acquisition of U.S. citizenship and a U.S. passport.

To obtain DNA testing, a Petitioner and Beneficiary/Applicant must (1) choose a laboratory to perform the genetic analysis and (2) schedule collection of a DNA sample from both individuals. Only one laboratory will perform the genetic analysis, whereas DNA samples can be collected from multiple laboratories. If two labs are involved, they will coordinate directly with each other to complete the test. 

DNA testing (both analysis and sample collection) may only be performed by laboratories accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB). Note that only the Santo Domingo branches of Patria Rivas and Referencia are accredited to perform DNA testing in the Dominican Republic.

A list of AABB-approved laboratories can be found at the AABB website.

 

Step 1:  Choose an accredited laboratory to perform the genetic analysis.

It can be an accredited laboratory either in the United States or the Dominican Republic. It can be the same laboratory that will collect one or both DNA samples, or a different accredited laboratory. For convenience, most people choose the same laboratory that will collect one or both DNA samples.

If you choose a laboratory in the United States, that laboratory will coordinate with a laboratory in the Dominican Republic or the U.S. Embassy to receive the Beneficiary’s/Applicant’s DNA sample (which must be collected in the Dominican Republic).

If you choose a laboratory in the Dominican Republic, that laboratory will coordinate with another accredited lab in the United States to receive any samples collected in the United States. 

Once the laboratory has both DNA samples (after Step 2), it will perform the genetic analysis.

 

Step 2:  Schedule collection of DNA samples

Both the Petitioner and Beneficiary/Applicant (and/or other parties being tested to establish a biological relationship) must schedule DNA sample collection at an accredited laboratory. It can be the same laboratory that will perform the genetic analysis, or a different location. For convenience, most people choose the same laboratory that will perform the genetic analysis. If any DNA samples are collected at a different laboratory than will perform the genetic analysis, the two laboratories will coordinate directly with each other to ship/receive the DNA sample(s).

For Petitioners (or other parties being tested):  You may have your DNA sample collected at an accredited laboratory in either the United States or the Dominican Republic. 

For the Beneficiary/Applicant, residing in the Dominican Republic: You must schedule DNA sample collection at either an AABB-accredited laboratory in Santo Domingo (Patria Rivas or Referencia) or the U.S. Embassy. Most people choose to have their samples collected at an AABB-accredited laboratory for convenience.

If you choose the U.S. Embassy, the laboratory that will perform the genetic analysis will send the collection kit directly to the Embassy. Once the DNA kit arrives at the Embassy, we will contact the Beneficiary with an appointment date. 

What to bring to the DNA appointment

On the DNA sample collection appointment day, the Beneficiary/Applicant must appear in person with the following documents:

  • Two color passport photographs (2″x2″).
  • Identity card – original and one (1) photocopy
  • Birth certificate – only minors (1) photocopy
  • Or Valid passport – original and one (1) photocopy
  • Laboratory fee – US$50 or its equivalent in pesos, for each person who is going to perform the test. You must bring exact change (in dollars or equivalent in pesos), as we will not have cash to return. 

Failure to produce satisfactory documentation will result in delays.  You do not have to fast for this test, but you need to have a clean mouth, without lipstick. If you drink coffee, you should wash your mouth.

Important things to remember about DNA testing.

  • Genetic testing is voluntary; you choose whether to do it.
  • The U.S. Embassy will only accept DNA results collected from the buccal (oral) swab DNA testing method. This method (removing a small amount of genetic material from the inside of the mouth) is simple, clean, and non-invasive.
  • The cost of testing and all expenses relating to testing (such as doctors’ fees, mailing fees, AABB-approved laboratory fees, etc.) are the responsibility of the Petitioner and Beneficiary/Applicant and must be paid in advance.
  • The Embassy has no role in setting these costs and will not intervene with any laboratory to seek any adjustments in costs.
  • The Embassy does not provide refunds for unused DNA kits, nor does it participate in any way in the financial transactions required for DNA testing.
  • For purposes of visa, passport, or CRBA issuance, the Embassy will only accept original DNA test results that have been sent to the Embassy directly by the accredited laboratory conducting the test. This is to ensure all necessary safeguards in conformity with U.S. regulations are followed.
  • The Embassy does not assume responsibility for the professional caliber or practice of any of the AABB-accredited DNA testing laboratories.
  • Submitting to DNA testing in no way guarantees the subsequent issuance of a visa, passport, or CRBA. While the DNA test is pending, all other investigations related to the case will be suspended until the testing process is completed.
  • Petitions returned to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in the United States based on negative results may be revoked or denied by the DHS. The Embassy reminds all applicants that penalties exist for making false statements in the filing of immigrant visa applications.

Please direct all inquiries related to the DNA collection process to citasadnsantodomingo@state.gov.

For more information on Genetic testing see link below:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/travel-legal-considerations/us-citizenship/US-Citizenship-DNA-Testing.html