Do I have to take a DNA test?

No. The Policy Manual says USCIS does not have the authority to require DNA results. It can only suggest them. DNA collection is voluntary.

When will USCIS suggest DNA?

When the evidence of a claimed genetic relationship is not enough and the officer decides to ask for more evidence. This usually happens when a birth certificate does not exist, cannot be obtained, is not reliable, or does not prove the relationship by itself. Officers should not suggest DNA if your evidence already proves the relationship.

Who pays for the test?

You do. The Policy Manual says the person who chooses to test “is responsible for all associated expenses.” The alert and chapters do not give a price.

Which laboratory should I use?

When USCIS suggests DNA, it tells you where to find a list of laboratories accredited by AABB (the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies). The Policy Manual cites AABB’s standards for immigration testing. Follow the instructions in your request for evidence.

What happens if I decide not to test?

USCIS will not send another request just to suggest DNA. The officer reviews whatever you sent in response, if anything, and decides on the record. Saying no to DNA should not be the only reason for a NOID or denial. But if the relationship is still not shown to be more likely true than not, the case can be denied.

Which cases does this cover?

The general rule is in Volume 1, which covers USCIS benefit requests in general. The alert also changed chapters on refugee and asylee relative petitions (Form I-730), orphan adoptions, Hague Convention adoptions (the sibling exception) and the definition of a child for citizenship, which applies to claims like a Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-600). The alert does not name Form I-130 by itself.

My case was already pending. Does this apply to me?

Yes. The alert says the guidance applies to requests pending or filed on or after August 5, 2026.

Can I send DNA results before USCIS asks?

The alert does not change what you may file. It says it informs requestors of the option to submit all available evidence at their disposal. The Policy Manual says officers should not suggest DNA when the existing evidence already meets the burden.

USCIS Will Now Suggest DNA Testing in Family RFEs (2026)

Executive summary

On August 5, 2026, USCIS issued Policy Alert PA-2026-06. It changes five chapters of the USCIS Policy Manual. The main change is in Volume 1, Part E, Chapter 6 (Evidence), under a new heading, “Optional Submission of DNA Testing.”

The new rule: when the evidence of a claimed genetic relationship is missing, unreliable or not enough, and the officer decides to ask for more evidence, the officer must tell you that you may submit DNA test results. Before, officers could suggest DNA only after both primary and secondary evidence had failed, and each USCIS directorate had its own practice.

DNA testing stays voluntary. The Policy Manual says USCIS has no statutory or regulatory authority to require it. If you choose to test, you pay all the costs. USCIS will tell you where to find a list of laboratories accredited by AABB.

If you do not send DNA results, USCIS will not send a second request just to suggest DNA again. It decides the case on the record. Not sending DNA should not be the only reason for a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) or a denial, but a case can still be denied if the relationship is not shown by a preponderance of the evidence.

The guidance took effect immediately and applies to cases pending on August 5, 2026 and to cases filed after that date. USCIS says it also aligns with section 9 of Executive Order 14165, which tells DHS to use available technologies to check claimed family relationships.

What changed, in plain English

Some USCIS cases depend on proving that two people are related by blood, for example a parent and child. The usual proof is a birth certificate that was registered on time by a government office.

Sometimes there is no birth certificate, it cannot be obtained, or USCIS does not trust it. For example, the State Department may report that records from a country are unreliable, or the certificate may have been registered years after the birth. Then you must send other evidence, such as school or church records or sworn statements.

If USCIS still is not convinced and sends you a request for more evidence, the request must now also tell you that DNA test results are an option. This lets you send everything at once, instead of waiting for a second request.

You do not have to take a DNA test. If you choose to, you pay for it, and the test should be done through an AABB-accredited laboratory. If you decide not to, USCIS will look at whatever else you sent and decide the case.

What the policy says

When required primary evidence is unavailable, unreliable or insufficient to establish a claimed genetic relationship, officers must suggest DNA testing in a request for additional evidence, in situations where a request for evidence is needed (PA-2026-06, Policy Highlights).
USCIS may suggest but not require DNA test results. The Policy Manual states that USCIS does not have statutory or regulatory authority to require them (1 USCIS-PM E.6).
Officers may suggest DNA testing at any time during the case, but should not suggest it when the evidence already meets the burden of proof.
The decision to test is voluntary and the requestor pays all associated expenses. When suggesting DNA, USCIS tells the requestor where to find a list of AABB accredited laboratories (1 USCIS-PM E.6, footnote 48).
If the requestor does not submit DNA results, USCIS will not issue another RFE only to suggest DNA. Declining DNA should not be the sole basis for a NOID or denial. Denial is still proper if the relationship is not established by a preponderance of the evidence.
For forms that do not require primary evidence of the relationship, such as Form I-730, USCIS will still suggest DNA when the record and credible testimony do not establish the relationship and more evidence is needed.
Effective immediately on August 5, 2026, for requests pending or filed on or after that date. The guidance supersedes related prior guidance.