Author:Understanding DNA Testing in Canadian Immigration: What Families Need to Know
Thousands of families every year wish to reunite with their families in Canada. The process can be easy for some families, but on the other hand, it is difficult for others. Reunification sometimes can cost to prove a biological relationship that can be both personal and critically important. While Canada’s immigration process is built on documentation and credibility, there are times when the usual paperwork, like birth certificates, passports, or legal declarations, isn’t enough. If you’ve been asked to undergo DNA testing as part of your immigration journey, here’s what you need to know.
Why Does Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Ask for a DNA Test?
DNA testing is not a standard requirement in Canadian immigration. The process is a scientific method to establish a genetic relationship between an applicant and a sponsor. If the parent-child genetic relationship documentation has been examined by IRCC and if they are still in doubt about the authenticity, then comes the situation where you need to undergo a DNA test. It is only requested in specific situations, typically when other documents that prove a biological relationship are missing, unclear, or deemed unreliable.
Common situations include:
- Adoption cases where official documents are unavailable.
- Sponsorship applications require that a parent-child relationship be proven.
- Refugee or humanitarian claims involving separated family members.
Who Needs to Provide Which Type of DNA Sample:
For a parent-child relationship, the applicant must provide samples of genetic material from both parents and from the child.
For Sponsored Relative: The applicant must include samples of genetic material from both the sponsor and the sponsored relative.
For Citizenship: when applying for citizenship purposes, the applicant should make sure to provide the genetic material from both parents. It is an important step to ensure the establishment of a parent-child relationship.
For DNA test results for the immigration process, any of the family members or relatives can be beneficial. If such a case appears, then the person’s DNA sample is collected to make sure that the person is a blood relative of the sponsor.
Guidelines to follow for DNA Testing
If IRCC suggests a DNA test, they will issue a letter explaining the important guidelines. It’s important that the testing follow strict guidelines:
IRCC will provide a list of accredited laboratories to complete the DNA test. In these cases, DNA results must have an accuracy of 99.8% or higher.
The applicant will have to cover all the charges from sample collection to submitting the reports to the IRCC laboratory.
During sample collection, the applicant needs to submit 2 valid ID proofs (one of the photo IDs must be issued by the government) and 2 passport photos.
The applicant should make sure to sign a release and consent form that is provided by the laboratory during the sample collection.
How the DNA Testing Process Works
If you have received the IRCC DNA testing letter and you don’t know how it works, then here is the step-by-step of the procedure:
Choosing an SCC-accredited laboratory
You must ensure that you choose a lab that is accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) only. A list of approved labs is available on the SCC website.
Submission of DNA Letter
Once you choose a laboratory, you must submit your DNA letter that is provided by IRCC to fulfill the DNA testing requirements.
Collection of DNA Samples
The laboratory chosen by the applicant will make a call to book an appointment to collect the samples. In case any of the family members are based outside Canada, then the laboratory will send a DNA sample kit to the migration office. Any of the migration officers will later call the overseas family member to book an appointment for sample collection.
Submission of Test Result
Once all samples are collected, results are usually delivered directly to the IRCC within a few weeks. You may also receive a copy.
We’re Here to Help
Whether you’re a sponsor, a refugee claimant, or someone trying to reunite with your child, these processes can feel overwhelming. At Doherty Fultz Immigration, we’re here to help you interpret IRCC requests, connect with the right labs, and guide you through the process from start to finish.
