Immigration DNA Testing in Canada: When Can IRCC Request a DNA Test?
Proving a family relationship is an important part of many Canadian immigration and citizenship applications.
In most cases, applicants can establish a relationship with a parent, child or other family member through documentary evidence such as birth certificates, adoption records, marriage certificates, custody documents and other official records.
But documents are not always available, consistent or sufficient.
A birth may have been registered years after it occurred. A birth certificate may be unavailable. Names or dates may differ between documents. Records issued in different countries may contain conflicting information. In some cases, the documents submitted may simply not provide sufficient evidence of a claimed biological relationship.
When documentary evidence cannot satisfactorily establish a biological relationship, DNA testing may become relevant.
This raises several important questions:
- When can IRCC request a DNA test?
- Is DNA testing mandatory?
- What is the difference between a regular paternity test and an immigration DNA test?
- Can an at-home DNA test be used for Canadian immigration?
- What happens when family members live in different countries?
- How should applicants arrange DNA testing after receiving an IRCC request?
This guide explains the key issues.
When Can DNA Testing Be Relevant to Canadian Immigration?
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may require applicants to establish family relationships as part of an immigration or citizenship application.
Depending on the type of application, evidence of relationship may include:
- birth certificates;
- adoption records;
- marriage certificates;
- custody documents;
- government or civil records;
- documents showing a common address;
- financial or other records demonstrating a relationship; and
- other supporting evidence relevant to the application.
Normally, satisfactory documentary evidence is the starting point.
DNA testing may become relevant when a biological relationship is important to the application but cannot be satisfactorily established through the available documents.
Examples may include situations where:
- an original birth certificate is unavailable;
- a birth was registered significantly after the date of birth;
- names, dates or parental information differ between documents;
- records from different countries contain inconsistent information;
- the authenticity or reliability of available family records is questioned; or
- the evidence submitted does not sufficiently establish the claimed biological relationship.
IRCC's Family Class processing guidance has recognized DNA testing as an option where an applicant cannot provide satisfactory documentary evidence of a biological relationship.
The purpose of DNA testing is therefore specific.
A DNA test does not make an immigration application generally "stronger." Instead, it provides scientific evidence concerning a biological relationship when that relationship is relevant to the immigration or citizenship decision.
Does a Missing Birth Certificate Automatically Mean You Need a DNA Test?
No.
A missing birth certificate does not automatically mean that an applicant should arrange DNA testing.
IRCC accepts different forms of supporting evidence depending on the application and circumstances. Applicants who cannot obtain a particular civil document may be asked to provide alternative evidence and an explanation.
For example, other government records, historical family documents, adoption records, identity documents or additional evidence may help establish a relationship.
DNA testing should therefore not normally be treated as the first step simply because one document is unavailable.
Before arranging a DNA test, applicants should determine:
- exactly what evidence IRCC has requested;
- whether alternative documentary evidence is available;
- whether IRCC has raised concerns about the claimed relationship; and
- whether IRCC has specifically requested or suggested DNA testing.
If IRCC has already issued correspondence concerning DNA testing, the instructions in that correspondence should be followed carefully.
What Types of Immigration Cases May Involve DNA Testing?
DNA testing is primarily relevant where a biological relationship needs to be established.
Depending on the circumstances, this may arise in:
- parent-child relationship cases;
- certain Family Class sponsorship applications;
- cases involving dependent children;
- applications involving missing or unreliable birth records;
- cases involving significant inconsistencies between identity and family records; and
- certain Canadian citizenship or proof-of-citizenship applications involving parentage.
IRCC's current citizenship guidance specifically recognizes that DNA testing may be requested in certain cases to confirm parentage.
However, requirements vary according to the application.
Applicants should not assume that a procedure used in one immigration or citizenship case automatically applies to another.
Immigration DNA Testing vs. a Regular Paternity Test
Not all DNA tests serve the same purpose.
A private or "peace-of-mind" paternity test is generally intended to answer a personal question: is there a biological relationship between the individuals tested?
Testing intended for immigration, citizenship, court or other official purposes may involve additional requirements.
The issue is not simply whether a laboratory can accurately analyze DNA.
The receiving authority may also need confidence in:
- the identity of each person tested;
- the identification documents used;
- who collected the samples;
- when and where the samples were collected;
- how the samples were labelled;
- how the samples were sealed;
- how they were transferred to the laboratory;
- whether an appropriate chain of custody was maintained; and
- how the final DNA report was produced and delivered.
This is why a DNA test purchased online for personal use should not automatically be assumed to be suitable for Canadian immigration purposes.
If IRCC has requested DNA testing, applicants should review IRCC's instructions before collecting any samples.
What Is Chain of Custody in an Immigration DNA Test?
Chain of custody is the documented process used to establish the identity, integrity and traceability of a DNA sample from collection through laboratory analysis.
The central question is straightforward:
How can the authority receiving the DNA report be confident that the sample actually came from the person identified in the report?
Depending on the applicable requirements, an official or legal DNA testing process may involve:
- identity verification;
- examination of government-issued identification;
- supervised sample collection;
- photographs or other identification records;
- documentation of the collection;
- controlled handling of the samples;
- secure packaging;
- direct or controlled delivery to the laboratory; and
- documented laboratory receipt and processing.
Chain of custody is one of the principal differences between a private home DNA test and DNA testing intended for an official purpose.
Scientific accuracy matters, but so does establishing whose DNA was actually tested.
Can I Use an At-Home DNA Test for IRCC?
Applicants should not assume that an at-home DNA test will satisfy IRCC requirements.
Home DNA kits can be useful for private or personal testing because individuals can collect their own samples.
That creates an obvious problem for official purposes: there may be no independent verification of who actually provided the sample.
For immigration or citizenship purposes, identity verification and controlled sample collection may be required.
Therefore, if IRCC has requested DNA testing, do not purchase or collect a standard home DNA kit until you understand the requirements contained in the IRCC request.
Testing first and asking questions later can result in paying for a DNA test that cannot be used for its intended purpose.
What If One Family Member Is in Canada and Another Is Overseas?
This situation is common in immigration-related DNA testing.
For example:
- a parent may live in Canada while a child lives in China;
- an applicant may be in Canada while a parent lives in India;
- one parent may be in Canada while another family member remains overseas; or
- several members of the same family may be located in different countries.
It may not always be necessary for every participant to travel to the same country or collection location.
Depending on the purpose of the test and the requirements of the receiving authority, DNA sample collection may potentially be coordinated at different locations.
International DNA testing, however, requires careful planning.
Before samples are collected, it is important to determine:
- which government department, court or organization will receive the results;
- whether a particular laboratory or accreditation is required;
- whether IRCC has issued a formal DNA testing request;
- which family members must participate;
- where each participant currently lives;
- how each participant's identity must be verified;
- who is permitted to collect the samples;
- how samples must be packaged and transported; and
- how the final results must be delivered.
Confirming these requirements before sample collection can prevent delays, unnecessary expense and unusable test results.
What Should You Do If IRCC Requests a DNA Test?
If you receive a letter from IRCC requesting or discussing DNA testing, read the correspondence carefully before arranging the test.
Determine:
- What biological relationship needs to be established?
- Which individuals need to provide samples?
- Does IRCC specify laboratory or accreditation requirements?
- Are particular sample-collection procedures required?
- How must identity be verified?
- How must samples be transferred to the laboratory?
- How must the laboratory provide the results?
- Is there a deadline for completing the test?
IRCC instructions for the individual application should always take priority over general information found online.
For certain citizenship applications involving parentage, current IRCC guidance states that IRCC may request DNA testing and provide a list of accredited laboratories. In those particular circumstances, IRCC states that DNA results must have an accuracy of 99.8% or higher.
Applicants should not assume that this exact requirement applies automatically to every type of immigration DNA test. Follow the instructions applicable to the specific application.
Can a DNA Test Guarantee Immigration Approval?
No.
A DNA test answers a relatively narrow question concerning a biological relationship.
It does not determine whether an immigration or citizenship application will ultimately be approved.
An application may involve many other considerations, including:
- eligibility under the applicable immigration program;
- sponsorship requirements;
- identity;
- medical admissibility;
- criminal admissibility;
- security screening;
- financial requirements;
- dependency requirements;
- authenticity of supporting documents; and
- accuracy and truthfulness of information provided to IRCC.
A positive DNA result therefore does not guarantee approval.
Applicants must also ensure that all DNA-related information submitted to IRCC is genuine.
IRCC specifically identifies false DNA testing information as a form of immigration or citizenship fraud.
DNA Testing for Immigration to Countries Other Than Canada
DNA relationship testing is not limited to Canadian immigration.
Applicants immigrating to, sponsoring relatives to, or dealing with citizenship and family matters in other countries may also encounter requests to establish a biological relationship.
However, different governments can have different requirements regarding:
- laboratory accreditation;
- identity verification;
- authorized sample collectors;
- chain of custody;
- international sample transportation; and
- submission of DNA reports.
A DNA test suitable for one country's immigration authority should not automatically be assumed to satisfy another country's requirements.
Always identify the intended use of the test before arranging sample collection.
Arranging Immigration and Relationship DNA Testing in Canada
Before ordering a DNA test, first identify its intended purpose.
Is the testing:
- for personal knowledge;
- for a legal proceeding;
- for Canadian immigration or citizenship;
- requested specifically by IRCC; or
- intended for submission to another country's immigration or government authority?
The answer determines how the testing should be arranged.
For official purposes, laboratory requirements, identity verification, sample collection and chain-of-custody procedures should be confirmed before samples are collected.
KINORA DNA — DNA Testing Coordination and Sample Collection
KINORA DNA provides DNA relationship testing coordination, professional sample collection, identity verification support and international sample arrangements for clients in Canada and overseas.
For families whose participants are located in different countries, including Canada, China, India and other jurisdictions, KINORA DNA can help coordinate the testing and sample-collection process according to the intended purpose of the test and applicable requirements.
Services may include coordination for:
- paternity DNA testing;
- maternity DNA testing;
- parent-child relationship testing;
- other family relationship DNA testing;
- immigration-related DNA testing;
- legal or chain-of-custody DNA testing;
- professional DNA sample collection; and
- international sample collection arrangements.
For DNA testing requested by IRCC or another government authority, the specific instructions issued by that authority should always be reviewed before testing begins.
Laboratory eligibility, accreditation requirements, identity verification, collection procedures and chain-of-custody requirements should be confirmed before samples are collected.
Visit KINORA DNA at kinoradna.com or contact hello@kinoradna.com for information about DNA relationship testing and sample-collection arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does IRCC require DNA testing for every family sponsorship application?
No. Most applicants establish family relationships through documentary evidence. DNA testing is generally relevant only when a biological relationship needs to be established and the available evidence is insufficient or when IRCC specifically requests additional evidence.
Should I take a DNA test before IRCC asks for one?
Usually, applicants should first determine what evidence is required for their particular application. If IRCC has specifically requested DNA testing, follow the instructions in the request before collecting samples.
Can I buy a DNA kit online and send the result to IRCC?
Do not assume that a standard home DNA test will be acceptable. Immigration or citizenship testing may require identity verification, controlled sample collection, chain of custody and specific laboratory requirements.
Can DNA samples be collected in different countries?
Potentially, yes. International sample collection may be possible when family members live in different countries, but the collection process must satisfy the requirements applicable to the intended use of the test.
Can KINORA DNA arrange testing when one person is in Canada and another is overseas?
KINORA DNA can coordinate DNA testing and sample-collection arrangements for participants located in Canada and internationally, subject to the requirements applicable to the particular test and receiving authority.
Does a positive DNA test guarantee that IRCC will approve my application?
No. DNA evidence can help establish a biological relationship, but IRCC will assess all applicable immigration or citizenship requirements before making a decision.
Key Takeaway
DNA testing can be a highly reliable method of establishing a biological relationship, but most Canadian immigration applicants will not need one.
Official documents remain the normal starting point for proving family relationships.
Where documents are missing, inconsistent or insufficient, applicants should first determine what evidence IRCC requires and whether alternative documentation can resolve the issue.
If IRCC requests DNA testing, or DNA testing is otherwise required for an official purpose, the correct laboratory, identity-verification procedure, sample-collection method and chain of custody should be established before any samples are collected.
The important distinction is not simply between an accurate DNA test and an inaccurate one.
It is between obtaining a DNA result and obtaining a DNA report that is acceptable for the purpose for which it will be used.
Confirm the requirements first. Test second.
This article is provided by CAN-MIGRATE for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration and citizenship requirements may change. Applicants should follow current IRCC instructions and any correspondence issued specifically for their application.