International DNA Testing

What is an International DNA Test?

An international DNA test is a genetic test that determines the biological relationship between parent and child, siblings, or grandparents when one or all parties reside outside the United States.

Common reasons international DNA tests are performed:

Immigration DNA Test: This voluntary test helps prove a claimed biological relationship for visa acquisition or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA).
Legal Paternity Test (Adding father’s name to a birth certificate or Inheritance): This test can be performed internationally for legal purposes, such as adding a father’s name to a birth certificate. Note that this type of paternity test cannot be used for immigration-related DNA testing. Standard legal tests do not meet the evidence submission guidelines required for immigration cases.

All legal and immigration cases are tested and analyzed under the strict supervision of our partner The Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies (AABB) accredited DNA testing laboratory.

Non-Legal Paternity Test (Informational Purposes): This test is for peace of mind only and cannot be used for any legal purpose.

Important notes:

For immigration DNA tests performed internationally, sample collection is coordinated by a U.S. embassy or consulate. Using a sample collection facility in another country is not recommended, to comply with immigration evidence submission guidelines.
Some countries prohibit non-legal DNA testing. In such cases, performing a legal DNA test may be the only option.

Please contact our office at 888-970-4211 to learn more.

How much does DNA test cost internationally?

The cost for an internationally DNA testing varies from country to country and the type of test being performed.

International DNA Immigration Testing costs start at $750.00 and higher. Fees for testing do not include sample collection costs.

Legal DNA Testing costs start at $625.00 and higher for international testing.

Non-legal DNA Testing costs start at $550.00 and higher for international cases.

Please keep in mind there are various factors that will determine the cost of your DNA test like the number of people being test and the DNA relationship being analyzed.

We recommend that you contact our office at 888-970-4211 to learn more about the process.

How to schedule an appointment?

Scheduling an appointment is simple call 888-970-4211 to get started.

What Types of DNA Tests Can Be Performed Abroad?

The following testing options are available:

Legal Paternity Test: This testing option is legally admissible and determines a biological relationship between an alleged father and child.

Non-Legal Paternity Test: This peace-of-mind testing option is for informational use only and cannot be used for any legal purposes.

Immigration DNA Test: This testing option provides evidence to prove a claimed biological relationship for Family Reunification cases for U.S. visa acquisition.

DNA Sibling Test: This testing option can be performed for legally admissible purposes or for peace of mind. The test determines a biological relationship between two people who share a common biological parent.

DNA Grandparent Test: This testing option can be performed for legally admissible purposes or for peace of mind. The test determines a biological relationship between a grandparent and grandchild. Adding the child’s mother to the test is recommended to increase the effectiveness of the analysis, if the mother is available.

Avuncular Test: This testing option can be performed for legally admissible purposes or for peace of mind. The test determines a biological relationship between an aunt or uncle and their niece or nephew.

Maternity Test: This testing option can be performed for legally admissible purposes or for peace of mind. The test determines a biological relationship between a mother and child.

Please keep in mind that non-legal international DNA testing may be prohibited in your country. We recommend that you speak with a legal professional before performing non-legal relationship tests to avoid any legal consequences.

What is the method of DNA sample collection?

The standard method of DNA sample collection is by cheek swab. Alternative samples method of collection is listed below.

Blood Draw (can be used for legal tests)
Hair Follicles (can be used legally if by court order)
Toothbrush (Non-legal use only)
Earwax (Non-legal use only)

How Long Does DNA Testing Between Two Different Countries Take?

The turnaround time for results is 2 to 3 business days from the date the laboratory receives all DNA samples.

Please note that shipment travel times to the country abroad and returning to the laboratory are not calculated as part of the turnaround times. Immigration DNA testing cases have an average turnaround time of 8 weeks, sometimes longer depending on the embassy’s workload, which varies from country to country.

Will My DNA Results Be Recognized in Another Country?

Yes. All legal tests are processed and analyzed by our partner AABB-accredited laboratory. This accreditation is recognized internationally by most state and governmental institutions.

Which countries is paternity testing illegal?

Below is a list of countries that have bans on at-home paternity tests:

France:
France has banned direct-to-consumer home paternity test kits to avoid damaging family dynamics. At-home DNA test kits are prohibited. The consequence for performing an at-home DNA test is a fine of 15,000 euros ($16,500 USD) and up to 1 year of jail time.

Germany:
Similar to France, direct-to-consumer at-home paternity tests performed secretly are illegal in Germany. Legal paternity tests must be performed by DNA testing companies recognized by judicial agencies. Performing a secret paternity test carries a fine of 5,000 euros ($5,500 USD).

Israel:
Direct-to-consumer DNA tests are prohibited. DNA relationship tests, similar to those in the countries mentioned above, can only be performed for legal purposes. The consequences of performing a DNA relationship test at home in Israel are unknown.

We recommend consulting a legal professional in your country to learn more about relationship testing guidelines if you are considering a direct-to-consumer (DTC) home DNA test kit.

Contact our office at 888-970-4211 to inquire about international DNA testing services today.