Immigration DNA Testing: Referral to DDC, an AABB-Accredited Laboratory
GameDay DNA does not provide, collect, schedule, or coordinate immigration DNA testing. If you need DNA testing for a U.S. immigration, visa, passport, citizenship, embassy, or consular case, we refer you directly to DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC), an AABB-accredited relationship-testing facility.
For U.S. immigration cases, the petitioner must initiate the case directly with an AABB-accredited relationship-testing facility and follow that laboratory’s instructions for collection, documentation, and report delivery. Results are sent directly by the accredited laboratory to the appropriate government office, not through GameDay DNA.
Why Immigration DNA Testing Must Start With an AABB-Accredited Laboratory
U.S. immigration DNA testing follows a specialized process that is different from legal DNA testing for court, child support, custody, or personal knowledge. For visa, passport, and citizenship cases, the federal government requires testing through an AABB-accredited relationship-testing facility.
AABB states that a U.S. immigration DNA case must be initiated directly between the petitioner and an AABB-accredited relationship-testing facility. Starting a case through an unaccredited company can put the case at risk of rejection.
What AABB Accreditation Means
AABB accreditation for relationship testing means a facility has been assessed against comprehensive standards for DNA relationship testing, including chain of custody and sample traceability from case initiation through reporting. AABB maintains a public directory of accredited relationship-testing facilities.
Why GameDay DNA Refers Clients Directly to DDC
Because immigration DNA testing has specific federal, laboratory, embassy, and consular requirements, GameDay DNA refers clients directly to DDC rather than acting as an intermediary. This helps ensure that the case begins with the AABB-accredited facility responsible for the testing process.
DDC can explain its current case-initiation process, participant requirements, collection arrangements, documentation needs, estimated timing, and result-delivery procedures.
When May Immigration DNA Testing Be Requested?
Immigration DNA testing may be requested when a U.S. government authority, embassy, consulate, or other immigration office needs additional evidence of a claimed biological relationship. DNA testing is generally considered when other credible evidence is unavailable or insufficient.
A DNA test does not guarantee approval of a visa, passport, citizenship claim, or immigration benefit. The government authority reviewing the case makes that decision.
Common Biological Relationships Evaluated
Depending on the request and the relatives available, an AABB-accredited laboratory may evaluate a claimed biological relationship such as:
Father and child
Aunt or uncle and niece or nephew
The requesting authority or DDC can confirm which relationship evidence is appropriate for the specific case. An at-home DNA kit is not appropriate for U.S. immigration DNA testing.
How to Start an Immigration DNA Testing Case With DDC
GameDay DNA’s role is limited to directing you to DDC. DDC—not GameDay DNA—will explain whether and how it can initiate your immigration DNA-testing case.
Step 1: Contact DDC Directly
Contact DDC directly and explain that you need DNA testing for a U.S. immigration, visa, passport, citizenship, embassy, or consular case. Provide any request letter, case number, or instructions you received from USCIS, the Department of State, an embassy, consulate, or another government authority.
Step 2: Follow DDC’s Case Instructions
DDC will advise you about the relationship to be tested, required participants, identification, paperwork, fees, and collection procedures. Do not collect samples yourself or use an at-home kit unless DDC specifically instructs you to do so as part of its official process.
Step 3: Complete Authorized Sample Collection
DDC will coordinate the authorized DNA collection process for participants in the United States and, when applicable, for relatives outside the United States. Participants may be collected separately when they live in different locations. AABB notes that accredited facilities can arrange collection nearly anywhere in the world.
Step 4: DDC Sends Results Through the Required Channel
For USCIS cases, AABB states that results are sent directly from the accredited testing laboratory to the USCIS office. The laboratory or case coordinator will explain the applicable result-delivery process for other immigration authorities, embassies, consulates, passport agencies, or citizenship cases.
Do Not Use an At-Home DNA Kit for Immigration Testing
At-home DNA kits are for personal knowledge and are not appropriate for U.S. immigration, visa, passport, citizenship, embassy, or consular cases. Immigration DNA testing must follow the process established by the AABB-accredited laboratory handling the case.
If you already completed testing through a non-accredited provider and the report was rejected, contact an AABB-accredited relationship-testing facility directly to ask about starting a new accredited case. AABB specifically advises this step for people whose prior test was rejected.
Immigration DNA Testing Costs and Turnaround Time
Immigration DNA-testing fees, collection charges, international coordination costs, and timelines are set by the AABB-accredited laboratory managing the case. The total timeline can depend on the type of relationship tested, number of participants, where each person is located, embassy or consular procedures, appointment availability, receipt of all samples, and any additional laboratory analysis.
AABB states that many relationship tests are reported within a week or less after all samples are received, although cases requiring additional testing or international coordination may take longer. Ask DDC for the current estimate and all applicable fees before beginning the case.
What to Ask DDC Before You Start
Whether DDC can initiate your specific immigration DNA case.
Which biological relationship must be tested.
Which relatives must participate.
Whether you need a USCIS, embassy, consulate, passport, or other case number.
What documents and identification each participant needs.
Whether participants can test in different cities or countries.
What the total cost includes.
Whether international collection or courier fees apply.
When the laboratory expects to receive all samples.
How and where DDC will submit the final report.
When May Immigration DNA Testing Be Requested?
Immigration DNA testing may be requested when a U.S. government authority, embassy, consulate, or other immigration office needs additional evidence of a claimed biological relationship. DNA testing is generally considered when other credible evidence is unavailable or insufficient.
A DNA test does not guarantee approval of a visa, passport, citizenship claim, or immigration benefit. The government authority reviewing the case makes that decision.
Immigration DNA Testing Referral FAQs
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No. GameDay DNA does not perform, collect, schedule, or coordinate immigration DNA testing. We refer clients directly to DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC), an AABB-accredited relationship-testing facility, so the immigration testing case can begin with the laboratory responsible for the required process.
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DDC should be verified directly through AABB’s public directory before you begin your case. AABB lists the facilities that are currently accredited for relationship-testing activities, and facilities not listed are not currently accredited.
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USCIS does not pre-approve individual DNA results. For qualifying U.S. immigration cases, federal requirements call for DNA testing to be initiated directly through an AABB-accredited relationship-testing facility, which sends the results directly to the appropriate USCIS office. The government authority reviewing the case decides whether the overall evidence supports the immigration benefit requested.
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No. At-home DNA tests are for personal knowledge and are not appropriate for U.S. immigration, visa, passport, citizenship, embassy, or consular cases. Contact DDC or another AABB-accredited relationship-testing facility directly before collecting any samples.
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Yes. AABB states that accredited relationship-testing facilities can arrange sample collections nearly anywhere in the world, and participants may be collected together or separately based on their needs. DDC can explain the collection options available for your case.
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The appropriate relationship depends on the government request, the available relatives, and DDC’s current testing options. Parent-child testing is generally the most direct relationship analysis when the alleged parent is available. Other relationship testing may be considered when direct testing is not possible. Ask DDC to confirm which relatives should participate.
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Timing depends on the relationship tested, the location of each participant, authorization and collection logistics, receipt of all samples, laboratory processing, and government or consular procedures. AABB notes that many tests are reported within a week or less after all samples arrive, but some cases take longer. Contact DDC for the current estimate for your case.
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Immigration DNA-testing costs are set by DDC or the AABB-accredited facility handling the case. Fees can vary based on the relationship tested, number of participants, collection locations, international coordination, courier services, and laboratory requirements. Contact DDC directly for a current quote.
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No. DNA testing may provide biological-relationship evidence when requested, but it does not guarantee approval of a visa, passport, citizenship claim, or other immigration benefit. The reviewing government authority makes the final decision.
Start Your Immigration DNA Testing Case Directly With DDC
If you need DNA testing for a U.S. immigration, visa, passport, citizenship, embassy, or consular matter, contact DDC directly to begin the required AABB-accredited process. Have your government request letter, case number, and participant information available when you contact the laboratory.
GameDay DNA does not process immigration DNA cases. We provide this referral to help you start with the appropriate type of facility from the beginning.