- USCIS officers will now suggest DNA testing earlier in the immigration application process when primary evidence is unreliable.
- The policy change affects family-based petitions and citizenship cases filed on or after August fifth, twenty twenty-six.
- While testing remains optional, applicants must pay for services through accredited laboratories and bear the burden of proof.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will require officers to suggest DNA testing earlier in some immigration cases when documents fail to establish a claimed genetic relationship. The change appears in the agency’s Policy Manual under policy alert PA-2026-06, issued August 5, 2026.
The suggestion applies when primary evidence is unavailable, unreliable, or insufficient and an officer decides that more evidence is needed. Applicants still may decline the test. The burden of proof remains with them.
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The policy took effect immediately. It covers applications and petitions pending or filed on or after August 5, 2026.
The agency described the measure as an evidence option, not an automatic requirement for applicants. A refusal could nevertheless carry greater risk when the remaining documents are weak.
“This new guidance requires officers to suggest DNA evidence when a benefit requestor does not meet their burden to establish a claimed genetic relationship and additional evidence is needed.”
The policy marks a change in timing. Previously, officers typically suggested testing only after both primary records and secondary evidence failed to establish the relationship.
Officers will raise genetic evidence sooner in family cases
Primary evidence can include birth certificates. Secondary evidence can include school or medical records. Under the new guidance, officers must suggest DNA evidence as soon as primary proof is missing or unreliable, rather than waiting for both categories to fall short.
The affected matters include relative petitions filed on Form I-130, naturalization or citizenship cases involving children of U.S. citizens filed on Form N-600, and international or domestic adoption-related benefit requests.
The test remains optional. Applicants who proceed must pay the associated costs and use an AABB-accredited laboratory.
That process can create financial and logistical demands. Genetic information also raises privacy concerns.
Advocates have criticized what they describe as a more “person-centric” approach to biometric data collection. They say broader suggestions for genetic evidence increase the sensitive information handled by the government.
The guidance links to a border-security executive order
The agency said the update aligns with section nine of Executive Order 14165, Securing Our Borders. That provision directs the Department of Homeland Security to use “any available technologies and procedures to determine the validity of any claimed familial relationship.”
The policy was issued alongside PA-2026-05. That separate alert gives officers broader authority to deny incomplete applications without first sending a Request for Evidence or Notice of Intent to Deny.
The two measures form part of an agency effort described as “Reduce Frivolous Immigration Benefits Requests.” The stated focus is tighter evidence review and stronger scrutiny of claimed family relationships.
The policy materials point to concerns about unreliable civil documents, including records from countries with poor record-keeping. Officers can now bring forward genetic evidence when the initial documents do not establish the claimed relationship.
Applicants must weigh the test against other available proof
A person who receives the suggestion can choose whether to pursue testing. The option does not replace other evidence requirements, and the applicant remains responsible for proving eligibility.
The practical decision may depend on the strength of the records already submitted. A person with limited or unreliable civil documentation could face a denial risk if the available evidence does not satisfy the officer and the suggested test is declined.
Testing also requires coordination among the people whose genetic relationship is being examined. The laboratory must hold AABB accreditation, and the applicants must absorb the expense.
USCIS is accepting public feedback on PA-2026-06 through September 7, 2026. The policy alert and related updates are available through the agency’s Policy Manual and Newsroom.
