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OfficialPOLICY ALERT - Suggesting DNA Testing When Issuing a Request for Additional Evidence · Last verified

POLICY ALERT - Suggesting DNA Testing When Issuing a Request for Additional Evidence

USCIS officers must now suggest DNA testing as an optional way to prove a family relationship when your existing documents are missing, unreliable, or not enough.

What this is

USCIS officers must now suggest DNA testing as an optional way to prove a family relationship when your existing documents are missing, unreliable, or not enough. DNA testing is not required — it is one option offered when an officer asks for more evidence.

Source: POLICY ALERT - Suggesting DNA Testing When Issuing a Request for Additional Evidence · in effect from 5 August 2026

What you need to know

  • USCIS has updated its Policy Manual to require officers to suggest DNA testing when reviewing certain cases.
  • DNA testing is optional, not mandatory.
  • Officers will suggest it only when primary evidence of a genetic relationship is unavailable, unreliable, or insufficient.
  • The suggestion comes as part of a Request for Additional Evidence (RFE).
  • USCIS officers must suggest DNA testing when primary evidence of a genetic relationship is unavailable, unreliable, or insufficient.
  • DNA testing is optional, not mandatory — it is one suggested form of evidence, not a requirement.
  • This applies only when an officer has already decided that additional evidence is needed.
  • The policy is guidance to officers on how to issue Requests for Additional Evidence (RFEs).

Source: POLICY ALERT - Suggesting DNA Testing When Issuing a Request for Additional Evidence · in effect from 5 August 2026

What to do

  • If you receive a Request for Additional Evidence about a family relationship, you may be offered DNA testing as one way to respond — you are not required to take it.

Source: POLICY ALERT - Suggesting DNA Testing When Issuing a Request for Additional Evidence · in effect from 5 August 2026

Frequently asked questions

Is the DNA test mandatory, or can I send other documents instead? DNA testing is optional. USCIS requires officers to suggest it as one possible form of evidence, not to order it. You can choose to submit other evidence to establish the relationship instead.

What has to go wrong with my documents before they even bring up DNA? The officer must first find that your primary evidence is unavailable, unreliable, or insufficient to establish the genetic relationship. Only then, when the officer decides additional evidence is necessary, are they required to suggest DNA testing as an option.

What is the DNA test actually trying to prove? It is used to establish a claimed genetic relationship — meaning USCIS needs proof that you and the other person are biologically related in the way you say you are.

Do I have to ask about DNA testing myself, or will the officer raise it? The officer is required to raise it. The new policy places the obligation on USCIS officers to suggest DNA testing when the conditions are met — you do not need to request it yourself.

Is this a new rule, or has USCIS always handled cases this way? This is new formal policy guidance being added to the USCIS Policy Manual. It now formally requires officers to suggest DNA testing in qualifying cases, making the practice a consistent, written obligation rather than an ad-hoc decision.

When does this take effect? It takes effect on 2026-08-05.

Who does this apply to? This relates to Green Card, Citizenship, Family.

Where does this information come from? U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, published at https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/policy-manual-updates/20260805-DNAEvidence.pdf.

Source: POLICY ALERT - Suggesting DNA Testing When Issuing a Request for Additional Evidence · in effect from 5 August 2026

Related topics

Green Card, Citizenship, Family

Source: POLICY ALERT - Suggesting DNA Testing When Issuing a Request for Additional Evidence · in effect from 5 August 2026

Official

Frequently asked questions

Is the DNA test mandatory, or can I send other documents instead?
DNA testing is optional. USCIS requires officers to suggest it as one possible form of evidence, not to order it. You can choose to submit other evidence to establish the relationship instead.
What has to go wrong with my documents before they even bring up DNA?
The officer must first find that your primary evidence is unavailable, unreliable, or insufficient to establish the genetic relationship. Only then, when the officer decides additional evidence is necessary, are they required to suggest DNA testing as an option.
What is the DNA test actually trying to prove?
It is used to establish a claimed genetic relationship — meaning USCIS needs proof that you and the other person are biologically related in the way you say you are.
Do I have to ask about DNA testing myself, or will the officer raise it?
The officer is required to raise it. The new policy places the obligation on USCIS officers to suggest DNA testing when the conditions are met — you do not need to request it yourself.
Is this a new rule, or has USCIS always handled cases this way?
This is new formal policy guidance being added to the USCIS Policy Manual. It now formally requires officers to suggest DNA testing in qualifying cases, making the practice a consistent, written obligation rather than an ad-hoc decision.
When does this take effect?
It takes effect on 2026-08-05.
Who does this apply to?
This relates to Green Card, Citizenship, Family.
Where does this information come from?
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, published at https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/policy-manual-updates/20260805-DNAEvidence.pdf.