Immigration DNA Testing FAQ

Immigration Testing FAQ – Getting Started

  1. What type of testing will BRT Laboratories, Inc. (BRT) perform?

    BRT performs DNA relationship analysis, which is genetic testing of biological samples (either blood or buccal swabs) collected from all family members to prove a genetic or blood relationship between a petitioner and his/her beneficiary.

Immigration Testing FAQ – Definitions

DNA Relationship Analysis
Genetic testing of biological samples (either blood or buccal swabs) collected from all family members to prove genetic or blood relationship between a petitioner and his/her beneficiary(ies).
Genetic Comparison
Being related to another person by a blood relation; relationship.
Petitioner
A person in the U.S. requesting (petitioning) to bring a blood relative living in another country into the U.S.
Beneficiary(ies)
An alleged blood relative generally residing in another country.
Rush Fee
An additional fee required to request expedition of test results.
Samples
Either blood (finger stick) or buccal swab (mouth/cheek swab) samples collected from all individuals for testing purposes.
Buccal Swab
A safe and painless method for collection DNA from the inside of the mouth/cheek using a cotton-tip applicator.
Sample Collection Kit
Includes supplies (paperwork and sample collection materials) used for sample collection and possible shipment of samples.
Homeland Security USCIS
U.S. Citizenship Immigration Services division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Immigration Testing FAQ – Cost and Forms of Accepted Payment

  1. How much does the test cost and what does my payment cover?

    The testing fee is $275USD per person. The petitioner is responsible to make full payment for all family members being tested, when his/her samples are collected. Also, there will be an additional fee to send the sample collection kit to the country in which the beneficiary(ies) resides. For some countries you may be able to pay for return shipping of the samples. The amount of the shipping fees depends on the country.

  2. What does the samples collection kit shipping fee cover?

    The sample collection kit-shipping fee may cover the shipping of the kit one way or round trip shipping. The US Embassy's or Consular Section protocol for the shipping of the kit may vary depending on the country. Some countries (i.e. Nigeria, Cameroon, Senegal, etc.) will not permit the return shipping to be pre-paid. Any fees to ship the specimens back to BRT must be paid by the beneficiary(ies) in that country. Where as other countries will provide the petitioner the option or even require pre-paid shipping to be sent with the sample collection kit. Please contact BRT for shipping requirements for each country.

  3. Will my beneficiary(ies) be expected to pay anything?

    Your beneficiary(ies) will be required to pay a sample collection fee to the Embassy/Consulate or it's designated representative for collecting their samples. It is your responsibility to contact the Embassy/Consulate or its designated representative to find out what the fees are.

    Also, the beneficiary(ies) may be required to pay the Embassy/Consulate or its' designated representative any shipping fees to have the samples returned to BRT unless return shipping has already been pre-paid in the U.S.

Immigration Testing FAQ – Sample Collection

  1. What do I need to bring for my sample collection appointment?

    You must have proper identification (valid-passport, alien card, naturalization certificate, employee authorization card, asylum ID or drivers' license) in order to have your sample collected. Also, bring any paperwork that the Embassy/Consulate or Homeland Security USCIS has sent you, requesting that testing be performed and a passport size photo make the passport photo in bold of yourself.

    Payment must be made in full at the time of sample collection. BRT will accept payments in the form of Visa/MasterCard, money order, or personal check (personal checks can only be accepted if presented with a valid driver's license that matches the address printed on the check.)

    Payments made at one of BRT affiliated sample collection sites must be in the form of a money order made payable only to BRT Labs.

    Please bring contact information for your beneficiary(ies).

  2. Who will test my beneficiary(ies) samples?

    After samples have been collected from the beneficiary(ies), the samples will be shipped to BRT in the U.S., where the genetic comparison between beneficiary and petitioner is performed.

  3. How will I know that the samples collection kit has been shipped for my beneficiary(ies)?

    BRT can provide you with DHL tracking information, so that you may track the sample collection kit. Once you have confirmed that your sample collection kit has been delivered, contact your beneficiary(ies) and have them make an appointment with the Embassy/Consulate or its' designated representative to have their samples collected.

  4. How can my beneficiary(ies) schedule an appointment for sample collection?

    You must instruct your beneficiary(ies) to directly contact the Embassy/Consulate or its' designated representative to schedule an appointment for sample collection.

  5. Is it my responsibility to pursue my individual case?

    Yes, it is your responsibility. It is not the responsibility of BRT to make sure your beneficiary(ies) have their samples collected.

Immigration Testing FAQ – Test Results

  1. How long does the testing take?

    Testing takes approximately 2-3 weeks to be completed from the time we receive samples from all parties. In rare cases, extended testing may be required, which may take an additional 2-4 weeks. When testing is completed, a report will be generated and mailed to the appropriate agency.

  2. If I'm in a hurry, can my test be expedited?

    If you have a deadline with an Embassy/Consulate, Homeland Security USCIS, or of your own choice, you have the option to pay a $200 non-refundable fee to rush your case. BRT cannot guarantee to meet specific deadlines; however, rushing the case can significantly reduce testing time.

  3. Where and how are test results sent?

    Upon completion of testing, BRT will send test results by 1st Class US Mail to the Embassy/Consulate and appropriate Homeland Security USCIS office. A copy of the test results can be sent to the petitioner and other addresses indicated by the petitioner upon request. If you would like to have your results sent by courier, the fees are:

    • Overnight to Homeland Security USCIS Office: $25 (U.S. $)
    • Courier to Embassy/Consulate: $60 - $105 (U.S. $)

  4. Who can I speak to if I have questions about my testing or the results?

    If you would like to discuss the status of your relationship testing, you may contact Customer Service at BRT at 1-800-765-5170; push or dial #1 from the greeting menu for access to the immigration menu. Please have your relationship testing receipt/laboratory number available, so that we may quickly retrieve your file.