Immigration DNA Testing is a key process of the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) department through the government of Canada. The CIC requires DNA test results in a variety of immigration cases including those for sponsorship, and to prove a relationship between a child and their parent, brothers and/or sisters and aunts and/or uncles (avuncular relationships) for citizenship.
For the most part, DNA testing is not required in immigration cases where there is enough documented evidence to prove a genetic relationship. But in cases that lack documentation or court-approved proof of genetic relationships, additional steps must be taken. Individuals may also be given the option of DNA testing to help speed up the process.
Basically, the CIC looks for a solidified parent-child relationship in cases where a parent is looking to sponsor a child for immigration, or vise versa. The same idea is applied in determining sibling and avuncular relationships. DNA from the alleged parents of children seeking a DNA test must be used, or DNA from the parents’ siblings must be used if the parents are deceased.
Immigration DNA Testing is important to reunite family members within Canada and finalize any sponsorship details.
Shouldn’t There be Records of Relationships?
In some countries around the world, documentation and records are hard to track down. This can result in some misidentification. If you are trying to sponsor someone that does not have sufficient documentation to prove their genetic relationship to you, it is a good idea to get an Immigration DNA Test. Because of the accuracy in DNA Testing, the results cannot be disputed and they build the case for sponsorship.
It is important to note CIC will not accept DNA testing results unless they are requested and CIC are involved in the witnessing of the sample collections overseas.
Who Is Involved With Immigration DNA Testing?
In the simplest form, a DNA test will allow a parent-child relationship to be established, as long as one parent and the child (or children) are tested. It is not always necessary to test both parents, but it is recommended to test both parents if they are available.
In cases of citizenship, only one parent is needed to establish a parent-child relationship if they are the one sponsoring the child to come to Canada. This is not to say that other genetic samples cannot be taken, because having both parents’ DNA samples give a more detailed picture. A relative not involved in the sponsoring process is also a great candidate for Immigration DNA testing, such as a parents’ brother or sister.
The more information about a sponsor and the person they are bringing into Canada, the better it is for Immigration DNA Testing results.
How to Take An Immigration DNA Test
If you are the sponsor:
For authentic and useable DNA Test results, testing and the delivery of the results must be done at a laboratory accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC). TheDNALAB is an accredited laboratory and was the first private laboratory in Canada to achieve this status. This means that TheDNALAB is accredited to test for Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada purposes.
When you call in to book an appointment with TheDNALAB, you can be assured that the Immigration DNA test and results are useable in legal cases. There are over 430 collection sites across Canada where you can visit to have your DNA sample collected. Please be sure to bring a government issued photo identification to present to the collector. You will also have your photo and fingerprints taken for further identification.
If you are the one being sponsored:
If you are the person being sponsored to come to Canada, your DNA Testing will take place in your current country of residence. Embassies and Consulates have individuals who are authorized to collect your sample and will witness the collection of your DNA sample. You will need to provide two passport type photographs and documents that prove your identity in your country. Your samples will not be tampered with. Once the sample is collected, an Embassy officer will seal and ship the samples to Canada (specifically, to our DNALAB laboratory).
Everyone who has submitted a DNA Sample will be required to sign a consent form so that the Immigration DNA Test results can be sent to the CIC.
Information on Immigration DNA Testing
Once TheDNALAB receives all specimens, DNA testing and reporting gets underway. The CIC looks for an accuracy of 99.8% to prove a relationship.
If you would like more information on Immigration DNA Testing, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with TheDNALAB. We would be happy to answer any of your questions and book you in for DNA test once you are ready. Also, please refer to the Government of Canada website if you would like to review some information about the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada branch of government .
