DNA Testing for Immigration Applications: What You Need to Know

In this article, we’ll walk you through the key points of the updated instructions, from the circumstances where DNA testing might come up, to how IRCC uses the results, and what it means for you if you decide not to go through with the test. 

When DNA Testing May Be Requested 

DNA testing isn’t part of the everyday application processing. It can be requested when traditional documentation doesn’t sufficiently prove a claimed biological relationship. This can happen if birth certificates or other legal records are missing, incomplete, or if there are doubts about their authenticity. 

Before turning to DNA testing, IRCC officers are instructed to explore other avenues first, such as requesting additional documents, conducting interviews, or reviewing any existing legal records that might confirm the relationship. DNA testing is intended to be a last resort, not the starting point, and although it is optional, if applicants refuse to undergo a DNA test, their application may be refused.  

DNA Testing for Immigration Applications 

Under IRCC’s updated guidance, DNA testing can be used to confirm not only parent-child relationships but also sibling and extended family relationships. 

• Parent-child testing: Typically involves samples from both parents and the child or children. 
• Sibling testing: When the relationship between siblings is in question, IRCC may request samples from the siblings as well as their parents for greater accuracy. 

This ensures the results provide as clear a picture as possible, reducing the chances of inconclusive findings. 

Requesting a DNA Test 

When IRCC determines that DNA testing may help establish a biological relationship, it issues a DNA letter to the applicant. This letter explains the option to provide DNA test results and outlines the next steps if the applicant chooses to proceed. 

Upon receiving the DNA letter, the applicant is responsible for contacting an SCC-accredited laboratory directly and providing a copy of the letter. IRCC recognizes only tests conducted by laboratories accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC), and results from non-accredited laboratories will not be accepted. 

The DNA letter informs the applicant of several key points: 

• The decision to undergo DNA testing is entirely voluntary. 
• The familial relationship being verified is clearly identified. 
• The applicant has a set timeframe — typically 30, 45, or 60 days — to complete the testing. 
• All costs associated with the DNA test must be covered by the applicant, including sample collection, courier fees, laboratory analysis, and final report delivery to both IRCC and the applicant. 
• If the applicant chooses not to undergo testing, they must inform IRCC directly. 

If IRCC does not receive a response from the applicant or the results of the DNA test are not received within the timeframe given, the immigration officer will make a decision based on the information already available in the application. 

DNA Testing Procedures: In Canada and Abroad 

Once IRCC issues the DNA letter, the applicant is responsible for selecting and contacting an SCC-accredited laboratory directly. The laboratory will then coordinate the entire testing process, from scheduling the sample collection to shipping the sample for analysis. 

Testing Within Canada 

For DNA testing conducted in Canada, the applicant must: 

• Provide the original DNA letter from IRCC. 
• Bring two passport photos (meeting IRCC specifications) to be included in the documentation shipped with the DNA sample. 
• Present two pieces of valid identification, one of which must be a government-issued photo ID. 

The laboratory staff will: 

1. Verify the applicant’s identity and confirm that all documents appear genuine. 
2. Make photocopies of the identification documents for inclusion in the sample package. 
3. Ensure the applicant signs a release and consent form, authorizing the laboratory to send test results directly to IRCC. 
4. Confirm the DNA sample kit has not been tampered with. 
5. Collect the DNA sample following strict chain-of-custody protocols, including: 
6. Recording the name of the employee collecting the sample. 
7. Identifying the legal name of the sample collection facility. 
8. Documenting the packaging and shipment details. 

The laboratory must ship the sample by the fastest, most reliable method available, aiming to ensure delivery within seven days of collection. 

Testing Outside Canada 

For Citizenship application: 

When DNA testing takes place outside Canada, procedures vary based on the applicant’s and the Canadian parent’s locations, but in most cases, the DNA letter, test scheduling and sample collection go through a local consular office and the relevant migration office. 

For immigration application:  

For immigration applications where the applicant is located outside Canada, DNA testing is carried out at the appropriate migration office abroad. The process begins once IRCC issues the DNA letter. The applicant then selects an SCC-accredited laboratory, which sends a tamper-proof DNA sample kit — complete with detailed instructions — directly to the designated migration office. 

The migration office oversees the entire process, scheduling the applicant for an on-site DNA sample collection and ensuring that all requirements are met. 

Requirements for Citizenship and Immigration Cases 

For both citizenship and immigration purposes, the applicant must provide the following at the time of sample collection: 

• The original DNA letter issued by IRCC. 
• Two passport photos meeting IRCC specifications. 
• Two valid pieces of identification, including one government-issued photo ID. 
• A signed release and consent form, allowing the laboratory to share results and photocopies of identification documents with IRCC. 

The laboratory or migration office ensures that the chain-of-custody procedures are strictly followed so that all samples remain tamper-proof and verifiable throughout the process. 

How DNA Results Are Handled 

The results of DNA testing are handled carefully and added to the applicant’s file: 

• Positive results are treated as strong evidence supporting the claimed relationship. 
• Negative results do not automatically lead to a refusal. IRCC officers must review the entire case, consider all available evidence, before reaching a final decision. 

If concerns persist even after DNA testing, IRCC issues a procedural fairness letter, giving the applicant an opportunity to respond or submit additional evidence before a decision is made. 

Declining a DNA Test 

DNA testing remains voluntary, and applicants are never required to undergo it. However, if an applicant declines testing and the existing evidence is not strong enough to prove the claimed relationship, the application could be refused for having insufficient evidence of a genetic relationship. 

Because DNA testing is considered a last resort, a request for it generally signals that the documentation submitted so far has not provided adequate proof. Unless an applicant has an exceptional reason to decline a DNA test, it is strongly advisable to comply with the request to avoid potential refusal based on insufficient evidence. 

If you intend to decline a DNA test, you must inform IRCC of your decision and, at the same time, provide a compelling reason along with any additional documents you may have to help verify the relationship. 

The updated instructions do not outline a formal process for declining a DNA test. If the request letter does not include specific guidance, it is recommended that you use the IRCC webform to notify IRCC of your decision.