DNA Testing
In certain circumstances, when primary evidence submitted in support of a U.S. Citizenship or immigration case is deemed insufficient to establish the claimed biological relationship, genetic testing may be suggested to applicants as an alternative way to provide credible evidence of the claimed relationship.
U.S. regulations require that all DNA testing conducted in support of a U.S. Citizenship or immigration case be conducted in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB).
In order to submit DNA evidence to the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy Kampala, or in order to obtain DNA evidence per the request of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) the applicant must first contact a genetic testing laboratory in the United States accredited by AABB. The applicant or their sponsor contracts the laboratory to conduct the requested DNA testing, and makes payment for the service directly to the laboratory.
The laboratory should then send a buccal swab collection kit(s) to the U.S. Embassy Kampala at the following international courier address. The packages should include a pre-paid courier envelope so that the specimens may be returned to the laboratory in the United States. Please also ensure that local contact information for the individual(s) to be tested is included.
International Courier Address:
U S Embassy Kampala
Plot 1577 Ggaba Road
Kampala, Uganda
Attn: Consular Section
The Consular Section will coordinate an appointment date and time with The Surgery medical clinic, Acacia Avenue, Kololo, Kampala on behalf of the applicant(s) where the specimens will be collected. The specimens will then be returned to the genetic testing lab in the United States for analysis. If the case pertains to a U.S. citizenship or immigration case being adjudicated at the U.S. Embassy in Kampala, the laboratory should send an original copy of the results to Consular Section via the international courier address. Once received, the Consular Section will then proceed with the adjudication of the case.
The U.S. Embassy schedules DNA testing with The Surgery approximately every four weeks. A U.S. Embassy employee must witness the collection of the specimen.
For additional information regarding AABB guidelines and accredited laboratories refer to the AABB website at: http://www.aabb.org/.