Frequently Asked Questions: Requirement for a Second DNA Test in Orphan Immigrant Visa Cases from Guatemala


  1. What is the purpose of requiring a second DNA test?
  2. Does the birth mother need to be present for this new test?
  3. When does this new requirement take effect?
  4. How much will it cost?
  5. Do I have to use the same lab as the first DNA test?
  6. How much time will this new requirement add to the process?
  7. When will I get my “pink slip”?
  8. When should I get the second DNA test done?
  9. What happens if the DNA does not match?
  10. What if my adoption service provider notifies me that the child with whom I was matched "is no longer available?"
  11. Does this new procedure apply to abandonment cases?

 


1.What is the purpose of requiring a second DNA test?


The purpose of this requirement is to protect the child, the prospective adoptive parent(s) and the birth parents in the adoption process. The extra step will verify that the child who took the first DNA test is the same child at the visa interview.



2. Does the birth mother need to be present for this new test?

No. The second test is only to confirm the identity of the child.



3. When does this new requirement take effect?

All “relinquishment” adoption cases finalized by Guatemalan authorities and submitted to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office in the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City on or after August 6, 2007, will be subject to this new requirement.



4. How much will it cost?

The cost will be determined by the laboratory performing the test and your adoption agency. The Department of State estimates that the cost will range from $150 to $300 US dollars.



5. Do I have to use the same lab as the first DNA test?

Yes. A different lab would be unable to confirm that it is the same child who took the first DNA test.



6. How much time will this new requirement add to the process?

The Embassy estimates that, barring any unforeseen delays, the DNA results will be received from the U.S. lab one to two weeks after the child is seen by the physician for collection of the genetic material (bucal swab) for testing.



7. When will I get my “pink slip”?

The Embassy will issue a “pink slip” authorization to schedule a visa interview within one to two days after receiving verification from the lab of the child’s identity with a current picture of the child attached. That verification will be forwarded by the lab directly to the Immigrant Visa Unit in the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City by expedited shipment.



8. When should I get the second DNA test done?

USCIS will issue an authorization for the second DNA test at the time your local representative submits all final adoption documents to the Embassy. Window #1 is available Monday through Thursday 09:00-09:30 AM for submission of final documents only.



9. What happens if the DNA does not match?

If the DNA test does not result in a match, the U.S. State Department will not be able to continue to process the child’s Immigrant Visa application.



10. What if my adoption service provider notifies me that the child with whom I was matched "is no longer available?"

The U.S. Department of State is concerned that such a notification may indicate that the DNA of the child would not have matched with the mother who claimed to be the birth mother and relinquished the child. We are very interested in hearing about such irregularities. We hope that Prospective Adoptive Parents will notify us of such concerns at AdoptionUSCA@state.gov.



11. Does this new procedure apply to abandonment cases?

No, it does not. In an abandonment case, no original DNA test is performed because no biological parent can be located for matching. However, in all cases when final adoption documents are submitted, the testing authorization will be issued, with a notice that the test is not required in abandonment cases.