How Canada Uses DNA Tests As Part Of Family Immigration and Citizenship Processing

Canada uses DNA testing in family immigration and citizenship applications when there is insufficient documentary proof of a claimed biological relationship. While not mandatory, DNA tests may be requested by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to verify relationships between parents and children or other close relatives. The process is voluntary, but refusal to undergo testing may affect the outcome of an application if other evidence is lacking.

On This Page You Will Find:

• When and why IRCC may request DNA testing
• How the DNA testing process works in Canada and abroad
• Which family members may need to be tested
• DNA testing for immigration vs citizenship
• How results are handled and affect decisions

Why DNA Testing Is Used

DNA testing is only requested when IRCC cannot confirm a family relationship through documents such as birth certificates or legal adoption papers. Before suggesting DNA testing, officers may issue a procedural fairness letter or conduct interviews. DNA testing is considered a last resort.

DNA testing must be voluntary, and IRCC officers must explain their concerns, the purpose of testing, and clearly state that applicants can choose whether or not to participate. However, applications may be refused if the relationship cannot be otherwise proven.

Who May Be Tested

For Parent-Child Relationships:

• The child
• The mother and the father (if possible)
• If one parent is unavailable, testing may still proceed with justification

For Sibling or Other Kinship Relationships:

• The siblings
• Parents (or their siblings, if deceased)
• Other blood relatives may be tested to strengthen the relationship claim

DNA Testing in Canada

If the applicant is in Canada:

• IRCC sends a DNA letter to the client
• The client selects an SCC-accredited lab and books a DNA sample appointment
• The sample is a non-invasive saliva test
• At the appointment, the client must present:
  • IRCC DNA letter
  • Two passport photos
  • Two pieces of ID (one must be government-issued with a photo)
  • A signed consent form allowing the lab to send results to IRCC

The lab must:

• Verify the client’s identity and documentation
• Ensure the sample kit has not been tampered with
• Complete a chain of custody record
• Send the sample to the lab using secure and fast shipping
• Ensure samples reach the lab within seven days

DNA Testing Outside Canada

For Immigration Purposes:

• IRCC coordinates with migration offices abroad
• Clients are scheduled for DNA collection at the nearest Canadian migration office
• The migration officer witnesses the collection and handles shipping

For Citizenship Purposes:

• DNA collection may be arranged through consular or migration offices
• Coordination depends on the location of the applicant and Canadian parent

Virtual Collection via IOM Offices:

• IRCC offers remote witnessing for DNA sample collection through the International Organization for Migration (IOM) at select locations
• Samples are collected on-site, but video verified by a migration officer

Accredited Labs and Secure Handling

Only labs accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) are accepted by IRCC. Labs not accredited, or those whose accreditation is suspended, will not be recognised, regardless of test outcomes.

All communication, especially by email, must protect personal information. If email is used to deliver results, labs must inform the client and obtain consent. Secure two-step processes, such as password-protected files sent in separate emails, are preferred.

Handling DNA Test Results

Valid Results Must:

• Come from an SCC-accredited lab
• Demonstrate a genetic relationship with at least 99.8% accuracy

If the Relationship Is Confirmed:

• The result is added as supporting evidence
• IRCC considers it alongside the rest of the application

If the Relationship Is Not Confirmed:

• The result is added to the file
• IRCC may issue a procedural fairness letter before making a final decision

If the Client Declines Testing:

• IRCC continues with the application based on existing documents
• Refusal to take a DNA test is not automatically considered non-compliance
• A decision may still be made if there is insufficient evidence

Internal Procedures at IRCC

IRCC officers must:

• Create “Testing” and “Verification” activities in the Global Case Management System (GCMS) to track DNA testing
• Update the application with results from the lab
• Clearly record whether the results confirm or disprove the claimed relationship
• Document all steps to ensure procedural fairness

Carefully Regulated Process

DNA testing plays a small but important role in Canada’s family immigration and citizenship processes. It is used only when documentary evidence is not available or considered unreliable. Applicants are not forced to take the test, but choosing not to do so may affect the success of their application if other proof is not strong enough. The process is carefully regulated to protect applicants’ rights and privacy.

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