A DNA test can be done with many purposes. It can be used for paternity testing or to find out more about your ancestry. In some cases a DNA test can reveal certain allergies you might not be aware of, allowing you to adjust your lifestyle. But what many don’t know is that often a DNA test is required if you have immigration plans. This differs per country, but in some countries a DNA test is a mandatory part of the immigration process. The USA for example has a DNA test as a requirement if you apply for an immigration visa. This article contains more information about this topic.
Testing at home
You may wonder how a DNA test works. It is not necessary to make an appointment with your general practitioner to take a DNA test. You can order a DNA test kit online and as soon as you receive the kit, you can start. You swab the inside of your cheek, or in some cases you need to spit in a vial. After you have collected the material, you send the kit back to the laboratory. Depending on what kind of test you do, it can take up to six weeks until you get your results. The results are confidential, meaning that your general practitioner won’t be notified. You are the only person who can see them.
Testing for immigration purposes
Most DNA tests can be taken at home. However, this does not apply to immigration DNA testing. This is to secure that both the visa applicant and the petitioner really are being tested. It is a very strict process that requires more steps than a home testing kit. Under no circumstances should the petitioner, nor the visa applicant receive the testing kit back. The testing facility makes sure that the US Embassy receives the testing results. Once the results are in, the US Embassy contacts the visa applicant to continue with the following steps of their application. It is important to keep in mind that only accredited facilities are allowed to send the results to the embassy. Also, a DNA test on it’s own is not a guarantee for a visa. All of the application steps must be completed before the embassy can issue a visa to the applicant. Keep in mind that the embassy will not provide the petitioner or the applicant with testing results, though it is possible to receive a copy of testing results by contacting the testing facility.
