US : 1-888-813-6283

Frequently Asked Questions

I have a question about my case. What is the best way to get an update?

For the fastest updates or any case-related questions, please email case@GenegleDNA.com and include your case number and name in the subject line. This routes directly to our case-tracking system, ensuring timely, accurate, and properly documented responses.

Is Genegle DNA Testing Center AABB Accredited?

Yes. Our DBA is AAA Genegle DNA Testing Center

How many AABB Accredited facilities do you have?

Seven.

1. Newark, CA
2. Orange, CA
3. Phoenix, AZ
4. Dallas, TX
5. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
6. Kingston, Jamaica
7. Chengdu, China (Chengdu New Genegle Biotechnology Co., Ltd.)

I’m not located near either of your accredited facilities. Can you get me collected near my home?

Of course, we have authorized collection facilities around the U.S. where we can get your sample collected.

Has Genegle worked with the embassy in my country?

In 2025, we performed DNA testing for embassies and consulates in more than 60 countries, so it’s likely we have.

I’m in the US and my relative (beneficiary) is overseas. How does it work?

It’s simple: your DNA sample will be collected here in the U.S. and your relative’s sample will be collected at a U.S. embassy in their country. Both samples will be tested in the U.S.

How does the process work for my overseas relative?

Step 1: DNA test recommended by a U.S. government agency during the application process or by an officer at the time of interview.

Step 2: You choose Genegle DNA Testing Center as your AABB Accredited Facility.

Step 3: We’ll send DNA collection kits (“test kits”) to the embassy in the country where the beneficiary is located.

Step 4: The beneficiary will be scheduled for a sample collection appointment and informed of this by the embassy, usually by email or occasionally by phone, including instructions on what they should bring on the day of collection and how to pay the local collection fee.

Step 5: Bring all required documents to the embassy and submit a DNA sample, a painless cheek swab.

Step 6: Samples are sent back to the U.S. for testing and reporting.

Step 7: Genegle finalizes the test and sends results to you and to USCIS/Embassy.

Step 8: USCIS/Embassy contacts applicants by email/phone and informs them of the next step in the process.

How do I pay?

We’ll send a payment link. You can pay online with a credit/debit card or several other methods. We do not accept cash or checks.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes, we do. Just ask.

What type of DNA sample will be collected?

We collect buccal swab/cheek samples. They are quick and painless.

For samples shipping from overseas back to the US, will the DNA expire or disappear during transit?

DNA collected from the cheek using buccal swabs is highly stable for a long period of time.

The US Government (USG) has given me a deadline to submit DNA evidence. What should I do?

After paying your deposit, if your deadline is less than one month away, we will issue you an engagement letter that lets USCIS know you are taking action on their request for additional evidence. Send that letter to USCIS. It is typically sufficient for them to keep your case open while awaiting results from our lab.

What materials are included in the test kits you send to the US Embassy?

Our embassy kits typically include:

• Contact list with you and your beneficiary’s full name, date of birth, and contact details for the local person to be contacted for scheduling
• A copy of the original request for evidence you were issued
• Collection instructions
• Chain of custody forms
• Return shipping labels
• Collection materials (swabs, envelopes, and security tape)

Will test kits be sent to me/my family member abroad or directly to the embassy?

Test kits must be sent directly to the U.S. Embassy.

FedEx/DHL tracking shows my test kits as held in customs. What should I do?

This is not unusual for international shipments. Just wait, as these packages tend to be released in 1–2 days. For international shipments coming into the U.S., the wait time can be longer due to recent tariff regulations.

Does the US Embassy confirm with your lab that my test kits have been received?

No. The embassy generally does not proactively contact us unless there is a question about a kit or case.

The test kits for my case have arrived at the US Embassy. What’s next?

The next step is to wait for the U.S. Embassy to contact you or your beneficiary directly to schedule a DNA collection. The embassy does not include us in the scheduling or share their timeline with us. You can feel free to contact the embassy directly regarding their timeline.

After test kits arrive at the US Embassy, how long until they contact me to schedule my collection?

The timeline varies, but in general it takes at least 2–4 weeks, and sometimes more for embassies that have high case volumes.

My beneficiary doesn’t live in the city where the US Embassy is located. Can they be collected in a closer city that has a US Consulate?

In some cases, this is possible, but generally speaking, it is not. Please talk to your case coordinator about options.

How often do embassies schedule collections?

Every embassy is different. Some have set schedules (for example, collections are performed on the last Friday of each month), while others schedule collections based on case volume and personnel availability.

Can I expedite my collection at the embassy?

Generally speaking, it is not possible to expedite your collection, but you are free to reach out to the embassy to determine if that is a possibility given your specific circumstances.

Can your lab contact the embassy on my behalf to schedule or expedite the collection?

No. We have no insight into or influence over when collections are scheduled.

How will the embassy contact me to schedule my collection?

Every embassy’s preferred contact method varies, but email is quite common. They will either email or call you using the contact information you provided when initiating your case with us. Be sure you have given us the best email address to reach you and your beneficiary at.

I don’t live in the city where the embassy is located. Will I have enough time to make travel plans?

In general, the embassy will provide sufficient notice for you to make appropriate travel arrangements.

It’s been two weeks since my kit arrived and I haven’t heard from the embassy. Can your lab contact them to ask what’s going on?

It’s not uncommon for some embassies to take 2–6 weeks before contacting the beneficiary for DNA collection. Please be patient. The embassy will contact you when they are ready to proceed with collection.

What materials will I need to bring to the embassy for my collection?

The embassy will provide specific instructions, but at a minimum, you will need:

• A valid ID (e.g., passport)
• Two (2) passport-style photos (2x2 inches on white background)

What is the collection fee I am being asked to pay at the US Embassy?

The fee is separate from our fee. It is not charged by our lab or the U.S. Embassy. It is charged by the third-party collector.

How much is the collection fee?

The fee varies by location. The embassy will inform you of the amount, the currency to be used, and how to pay.

Is the person collecting my sample a US Embassy official?

No, but an embassy official will supervise or witness your collection.

Can I eat, smoke, or drink the night and day before my sample collection?

Eating is fine, up to one hour before collection, but ensure your mouth is free of food debris just before the collection. You may rinse your mouth beforehand. You can drink water, but avoid coffee, tea, or soda right before the collection.

My minor child is going with a parent or other family member/guardian to the embassy for collection. What documentation does the guardian need to bring?

The embassy will provide specific instructions on the documentation and authorization needed for the child’s guardian.

How soon after my collection will the embassy ship my samples back to the US for testing?

Typically within 1–2 days. However, it may take longer if the collection occurs late on a Friday or before a holiday.

I am applying for my sibling’s immigration visa. I have been asked to provide DNA evidence and given two options for the testing: 1. Testing with a common parent or 2. Direct sibling-sibling testing. Does it matter which one I do?

Both forms are accepted. Testing with a common parent will provide more compelling evidence of a sibling relationship. However, a common parent is not always available. In those cases, direct sibling-sibling testing can still reach required thresholds for determining relatedness.

How long until I get my results?

Generally 5–10 business days after all samples for your case have arrived in our lab. Sometimes results take a little longer. In those cases, please accept our apologies for the delay.

Do I get a copy of my results? How?

Yes. Once your results are ready, we will email a copy to the email address on file. Hard copies are available upon request.

My results say I “cannot be excluded” as the parent of my child. What does that mean?

This is a common phrase that means that your DNA is consistent with that of the child, and there is no evidence to suggest that you are not the biological parent. Such a result is a positive result.

How will my results be transmitted to the US government?

For USCIS and Passport Agency requests: Results will typically be mailed directly to USCIS from our lab. You will receive a tracking number.

For U.S. Embassy requests: Many embassies accept results via email. Otherwise, we will mail a hard copy and provide tracking information to you.

After my results are sent to USCIS/Embassy, what happens?

The requesting agency will continue processing your case.

How fast will I hear back from them?

Processing times vary by agency and embassy. We are not notified of final decisions, so we cannot provide a timeline.