Getting a letter asking for DNA test for immigration during your application can feel overwhelming. This test is a scientific way to prove family relationships, and some families receive requests during immigration and citizenship application processing each year.
When Do You Need a DNA Test for Immigration?
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) doesn't request DNA testing immediately. They will normally review documentary evidence and other means of verification (additional documents, interviews, etc.) before turning to DNA testing. As mentioned, DNA is generally used where documentary proof is missing or inconclusive.
Immigration officers have a pretty structured approach:
- First, they look at your documents - birth certificates, passports, and marriage certificates
- Then they might ask for more paperwork if what you submitted isn't clear enough
- Sometimes they'll interview you to get more details about your family situation
- DNA testing comes last when everything else hasn't given them a clear picture
Situations That Typically Lead to Testing Requests
Most families get asked for DNA testing when:
Your Documents Are Missing or Incomplete
- Birth certificates were lost in war, natural disasters, or during moves
- Records don't clearly show who the biological parents are
- You have informal adoption arrangements without proper paperwork
- Documents were destroyed or never existed in the first place
Your Family Situation Is Complex
- Children born outside of marriage
- You're sponsoring grandchildren or other relatives
- Refugee families who lost everything during displacement
- Multiple generations are trying to immigrate together
IRCC Has Concerns About Fraud
- Inconsistencies in the paperwork you submitted
- Red flags during their standard verification process
- Previous cases involving false family claims
Can Immigration Ask for a DNA Test? What Are Your Rights?
Yes, IRCC absolutely has the right to request DNA testing. But you have choices when this happens.
Your Three Main Options
You may consent to testing, decline it, or request an extension. Remember: DNA testing is voluntary, but the application may be refused if you decline and can't supply other convincing evidence of the relationship. If you need more time for valid reasons (medical, financial), ask IRCC and document the reasons; consider legal advice.
Say yes and do the testing:
- You'll have a set timeframe, typically 30, 45, or 60 days, to complete the testing
- Must use only government-approved labs (more on this below)
- Follow all their specific requirements to get valid results
Say no and decline:
- You need to tell IRCC you're not doing it
- Be aware that this could mean your application gets denied
- Consider if you have other documents that might work instead
Ask for more time:
- Request an extension if you have good reasons (medical issues, money problems, etc.)
- Get help from a licensed immigration lawyer to look at other options
- Talk directly with IRCC about what's going on
What to Expect in Your Request Letter
IRCC will issue a written request (for example, in your IRCC online account or by letter) with the details you must follow. Treat any request with caution: official IRCC messages come through IRCC channels. If you're unsure, check your online account or contact IRCC directly.
Your letter will also spell out:
- Which exact relationship they want verified
- Your deadline for getting it done
- Which labs you're allowed to use
- What happens if you don't comply
Where Can I Get a DNA Test for Immigration? Finding the Right Lab
IRCC only accepts DNA test results from laboratories accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) as proof of relationship for immigration and citizenship purposes. Using the wrong lab means starting over.
The official SCC directory is available at: https://scc-ccn.ca/resources/publications/scc-accredited-dna-relationship-testing-laboratories
How to Pick the Right Lab for You
Think about these things:
- Location convenience - How close are their collection sites to you?
- International reach - Do they work with embassies if family members are overseas?
- Speed - How quickly do you need results?
- Customer service - Will they walk you through the DNA testing process?
- Cost and payment options - Can you afford it, and do they offer payment plans?
What's the Process of Getting a DNA Test?
If you've determined that you need to undergo DNA testing, here's what happens next.
Step 1: Getting Your Official Request
IRCC will issue a written request (for example, in your IRCC online account or by letter) with all the details. Read it carefully and note:
- Which family relationship do they want to verify
- Your exact deadline
- What documents do you need to bring
- Which labs can you use
Step 2: Picking and Contacting a Lab
Choose one of the approved SCC-accredited laboratory options from the SCC directory and give them:
- A copy of your IRCC letter
- Contact info for everyone who needs testing
- Your immigration lawyer's details, if you have one
- When you'd prefer to schedule appointments
Step 3: Collecting Your Samples
If you're testing in Canada:
You'll need to bring:
- The original IRCC letter
- Two passport photos that meet their specifications
- Two pieces of valid identification (one must be a government-issued photo ID)
- Sign consent forms allowing them to share results with IRCC
Most immigration relationship tests use a buccal cheek swab because it's non-invasive, but some testing methods or older protocols may use blood. The accredited laboratory will tell you what sample type they require during DNA sample collection.
If family members are overseas:
Accredited labs commonly coordinate with the visa/migration office or Canadian missions to arrange collection at a consulate/embassy or an approved local facility when one or more participants are outside Canada. Procedures vary by country, so confirm the specific DNA collection process with the chosen accredited laboratory and the visa office named in your DNA request.
Step 4: Getting Your Results
Turnaround time varies by lab, the number and location of participants, and shipping. Typical laboratory analysis can range from a few days to several weeks after DNA samples arrive. Always confirm current timelines with the accredited laboratory.
The total timeline includes:
- Scheduling appointments (can take a few days to weeks)
- Shipping samples to the lab
- Laboratory analysis (varies by lab and complexity)
- Report preparation and sending
Accredited laboratories normally submit an official report directly to the IRCC office named in your DNA request. They will usually also provide a copy to the tested parties. Make sure to confirm both with the lab in writing before collection.
What Accuracy Standards Do You Need to Meet?
For parent-child relationships and DNA tests, the IRCC expects a very high match: about 99.8% certainty. This is slightly higher than some other countries' standards (for example, the U.S. standard is around 99.5%).
IRCC reviews all the evidence together, so if DNA results are unclear or too close to the cutoff, they can ask for another test or more documents before making a final decision.
How Labs Ensure Accuracy
Government-approved labs use multiple safeguards:
- They test each sample twice with different teams
- Analyze 15-27 different genetic markers
- Follow strict chain of custody rules
- Have multiple quality checkpoints
Understanding What Your Results Mean
Positive results:
- High probability confirms you're related (typically 99.8%+ for parentage)
- Clear documentation ready for IRCC
- Detailed scientific explanation included
Negative results:
- A negative result is reported as an exclusion or a very low probability of a relationship. DNA testing rarely uses the phrase "100% certain"; labs will report a probability (e.g., <1%) or state the alleged relationship is excluded based on the markers tested.
- Could significantly impact your immigration applications
- Options to retest or find other evidence
Inconclusive results:
- Rare, but sometimes happens
- Lab will recommend additional testing
- IRCC might ask for other supporting evidence
What if the Results Aren't What You Expected?
Sometimes testing reveals surprises like:
- Non-paternity situations (biological father isn't who you thought)
- Unknown adoptions in the family
- Complex family histories you weren't aware of
Laboratories handle such sensitive information with confidentiality and provide test results directly to the applicants before sharing them with the IRCC, allowing families to process the information privately.
Getting Emotional Support
Consider:
- Pre-test counseling if the lab offers it
- Talking to family counselors about potential outcomes
- Having immigration professionals guide you through the next steps
- Connecting with community support organizations
When Should You Get Professional Help?
Immigration law can be tricky, and adding DNA testing makes it even more complex. Here's when and who you might seek help from:
- Multiple family members need testing
- You've had previous immigration applications refused
- Complex family situations like adoption or guardianship
- You're worried about fraud allegations
- Language barriers make everything confusing
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs)
- Licensed specialists who know immigration inside and out
- Can communicate directly with IRCC on your behalf
- Help with your entire application, not just the DNA part
Immigration Lawyers
- Best for complex immigration cases or if you're worried about appeals
- Can represent you if things go wrong
- Have deep legal knowledge about immigration law
Settlement Agencies
- Often, free community-based help
- Cultural and language support
- Connect you with other resources
What Are the Other Immigration Medical Requirements You Need?
While DNA testing helps prove family relationships, it's just one part of Canada's comprehensive immigration process. Most applicants must also complete an Immigration Medical Examination (IME) as part of their overall application, regardless of whether DNA testing was required.
Immigration Medical Exams: A Separate Requirement
IME is a separate requirement from DNA testing, designed to ensure you meet Canada's health standards. Unlike DNA testing, which proves family relationships, the medical exam assesses your overall health and screens for conditions that could affect public health or safety.
Who Needs an Immigration Medical Exam?
Most people applying for permanent residence or certain temporary residence permits need an IME. The requirements depend on:
- Your country of residence
- How long do you plan to stay in Canada
- Your intended activities in Canada
- Your medical history and travel background
The medical exam typically includes:
- Medical history review
- Physical examination
- Chest X-ray (for applicants 11 years and older)
- Blood tests and urine tests (if required)
- Additional tests based on your age, medical history, and country of residence
Complete Your Immigration Journey With Expert Medical Exam
GTA Immigration Medical Clinic Markham understands exactly what you've been through during this complex immigration process. We're conveniently located at 3603 Highway 7 E in Markham and specialize in helping families like yours with expert medical exams. Our experienced Panel Physicians know how stressful the immigration journey can be, and we're here to make your medical exam as smooth as possible. We offer fast, paperless processing, on-site X-rays and lab work, plus we speak Cantonese and Mandarin.
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