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US Embassy DNA Testing and USCIS DNA Testing Differences
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One the biggest and most frequently asked question has been over the last 12yrs by many families I have assisted with the immigration DNA testing process is, what is the difference between how USCIS and the U.S. Embassies handles DNA Testing . Today, I will take a few moments to briefly explain the slight differences between USCIS and the U.S. Embassies and how they proceed when giving families the option to provide proof by way of DNA Testing. The keyword here is, OPTION.

In order to properly define the two entities I will list each entity's procedures so you can clearly see the differences between the two.

USCIS DNA Testing Process

It  is important to note there are several United States Citizenship And Immigration Services (USCIS) branches that are under USCIS such as the National Passport Agency and, anyone of them may require your family to provide proof of biological relationship between a parent and child/ren. Here are some things your family can expect when receiving a document from USCIS Center.

1. Expect response deadlines that are usually between 30-90 days. We have come across certain situations were our client was given anywhere between 10-12 days. This is usually when all participants are located here in the U.S.
2. If you have a family member living abroad and you receive a Request For DNA Testing it important for your family to contact on of our DNA Testing specialist so may explain how to stay compliant with USCIS in the event coordinating an appointment in your country takes longer than the time issued by USCIS.
3. Last point, USCIS normally has an average turnaround time of about 6-8 weeks. Please note, each U.S. Embassy has two departments one for USCIS DNA Testing request and one for U.S. Embassy requests.

U.S. Embassy DNA Testing Process

This process is when your family receives documentation to provide proof of biological relationship from an Embassy Official or in some cases your family member go to interview at the embassy and the Embassy Official verbally tells you to perform a DNA Test. Either way when embassies request a DNA Test the average turnaround times are different from country to country. Below are some of the things your family can expect if they are given the option to go through this process.

1. Embassy deadlines vary from country to country so you may need to consult with the DNA Caseworker assigned to your case. But, from our experience, African countries completion turnaround times ranges between 3 -6 months on average. This time frame can be longer if there is some turmoil in your country. It also important to note that if any country has inner turmoil that affects an Embassy's ability to function. All DNA Testing requests regardless who is requesting will be temporarily put on hold until the matter is reconciled. Currently, a perfect example of this is in Sierra Leone who recently started testing again this year. The temporary hold was due to the Ebola outbreak and when things like this happen you can expect to be waiting 10-12 months, or more depending how the appointments are being handled in your country.

Here are some additional things that are also apart of this process that fall under both types of requests. All parties will be tested the same way, which is by buccal swab. Families who have families living abroad may be contacted by the embassy to schedule your appointment by phone or in some country's like Ghana you may be contacted by emailed. Emailed appointments from the U.S. Embassy in Ghana is only done in USCIS requested DNA Tests. Please consult with your assigned DNA Caseworker and they will explain the process in full detail.


In conclusion, both USCIS DNA Testing  and U.S. Embassy DNA Testing requests are fairly similar accept for a few nuisances. Now, if you or someone you know is going through this process can have better understanding on what to expect and if you should have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us at 877-680-5800 or visit us online at http://immigrationdnatestonline.com