General Information on DNA Testing and U.S. Citizenship:

In order to transmit U.S. citizenship to a child born abroad, among other requirements, there must be a biological relationship between the child and the U.S. citizen parent or parents.  Genetic testing is a useful tool for verifying a stated biological relationship in the absence of sufficient other evidence to establish such relationship. Commonly tested relationships that may be used to establish paternity and/or maternity in citizenship claims arising from birth abroad to a U.S. citizen father or mother include father-child, mother-child.

DNA testing is the only biological testing method currently accepted by the Department to establish a biological relationship. However, due to the expense, complexity, and logistical delays inherent in parentage testing, genetic testing generally should be used only in the absence of sufficient other evidence (documentation, photos, etc.) establishing the relationship.  For more information on the DNA Process, please visit the Department of State Website.

Please do not conduct independent DNA exams, as only results from Embassy ordered tests can be used to determine a genetic relationship for citizenship purposes. If you have any questions on DNA testing, please email: bujumburac@state.gov.

DNA Testing Process in Bujumbura, Burundi

1. DNA test recommended by officer at time of interview. Instructions handed out.
2. DNA lab selected by petitioner on AABB web page http://www.aabb.org (costs paid by U.S petitioner/parent).  Lab does not have to be near your home. The lab will send kits to a qualified testing center.
3. DNA lab sends kit to Consular Bujumbura with prepaid return courier envelope.
4. Applicant will be scheduled for an appointment for sample collection and informed of this via email from bujumburac@state.gov. Collection of the sample will take place at the Embassy Consular Section.
5. Applicant receives appointment letter, then goes to the Maison Medical clinic in Bujumbura and pays the specimen collection fee before the DNA appointment day. Details on how to proceed given in the appointment scheduling email.
6. On appointment day, applicant(s) will provide the following items to the Embassy representative: 2 recent passport size photos (2″ x 2″), official photo I.D., a copy of appointment letter and a receipt showing fee has been paid.
7. The DNA sample collected on appointment date and sent back to the DNA lab for testing. The collection consists of taken a saliva swab sample from the inside of the mouth.
8. DNA lab finalizes test and sends results to the consular section. This takes on average 2 to 3 weeks.
9. The American Citizen Services section contact the applicants by email/phone and informs them when to return to the embassy.