Immigration DNA testing is used when documentary evidence of a family relationship is incomplete, unavailable or questioned. This guide explains how the process typically works for applications to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), what identity verification involves, how kits are shipped, and how collection is coordinated between Canada and other countries.
For service details and to start a case, see our Immigration DNA Testing page.
When DNA evidence is requested
DNA testing is not a standard requirement of an immigration application. It is normally considered when:
- Civil documents such as birth or marriage records are missing, damaged, or not issued by a reliable registry.
- Documents exist but the relationship they describe is questioned by the officer reviewing the file.
- A sponsorship or family-class application depends on a biological relationship that cannot otherwise be confirmed.
- An applicant chooses to submit relationship evidence on the advice of their legal representative.
DNA testing is voluntary. Results are one part of the officer's assessment. KINORA GENETICS does not advise on immigration strategy and does not guarantee any application outcome — follow the written instruction letter from IRCC and the guidance of your lawyer or licensed consultant.
Relationships that can be tested
- Parentage: paternity and maternity testing, the most common request in family-class and sponsorship files.
- Siblingship: full or half sibling analysis when neither parent is available for testing.
- Grandparent and avuncular: grandparent/grandchild, aunt/uncle to niece/nephew, used to reconstruct a relationship indirectly.
- Extended lineage: Y-chromosome or mitochondrial analysis for paternal or maternal line questions.
Direct parentage testing gives the strongest statistical result. Indirect relationship testing produces a likelihood rather than a near-certainty, so including more tested relatives makes the report more informative.
Documents and information to prepare
Have these ready before kits are ordered. Missing items are the most common cause of delay.
| Item | Who it applies to | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IRCC instruction or request letter | The application file | States the test type, relationship and any deadline |
| Government-issued photo ID | Every participant | Passport, national ID card, PR card or equivalent; must be valid |
| Full legal name and date of birth | Every participant | Spelled exactly as on the passport |
| Relationship claimed | Every participant | E.g. alleged father, child, full sibling |
| Mailing address, phone, email | Every participant | Used for kit delivery and appointment booking |
| Guardian consent | Any participant under 18 | Signed by a parent or legal guardian, with the guardian's ID |
| Application or file number | The application file | If one has been issued |
| Receiving office or representative | The report recipient | Name and address for report delivery, with your written instruction |
| Lawyer or consultant contact | If represented | So the report and updates reach the right person |
Immigration cases require professional collection with verified identity. Do not open or use a kit yourself.
Sample collection and shipping, step by step
- Send us the details. Instruction letter, participants, and the country and city of each person.
- Receive a written quotation and plan. Test type, participants required, collection sites, courier costs and expected turnaround.
- Case files are created. Each participant is registered and documented forms are prepared for their appointment.
- Kits are dispatched. A sealed, documented kit is couriered to each collection location — our Richmond, British Columbia office or a partner site in Canada, and an approved collector, partner clinic or designated panel physician abroad.
- Appointments are completed. The collector verifies photo ID, photographs the participant, witnesses signed consent, then takes cheek swabs, labels them and seals them on site with both signatures.
- Kits return by tracked courier. Each sealed package is logged at every transfer so custody is unbroken from the appointment to the laboratory bench. Shipments carry the paperwork required for a non-infectious diagnostic specimen so they clear customs without delay.
- Analysis starts when the last sample arrives. Turnaround is measured from that day, not from the day the case opens.
- The report is issued. To you and, where you have instructed us in writing, to the office or representative named in your file.
Cheek swabs are dry and stable at ambient temperature for normal transit times, which is why they are preferred over blood for cross-border cases.
Reading the report
An immigration relationship report states the tested participants, the relationship examined, the genetic markers analysed, and a statistical conclusion — for example a probability of parentage, or a likelihood ratio for a sibling or grandparent hypothesis. Laboratory analysis is performed by qualified, accredited laboratory partners. Reports describe genetic findings only; the weight given to them, and the decision on the application, rests with the immigration authority.
Frequently asked questions
Does IRCC require DNA testing? No. It may be suggested or requested when documentary evidence of a relationship is missing or questioned. Testing is voluntary and always follows the written instruction in your file.
Can I use a home DNA kit for my immigration file? No. A self-administered kit has no verified identity or documented chain of custody, so it cannot support a relationship claim. Collection must be performed by an approved collector who checks photo ID and seals the samples on site.
What if the applicant lives outside Canada? That is the normal case. A documented kit is shipped to an approved collector, partner clinic or designated panel physician near the applicant, and returns to the laboratory by tracked courier.
How long does the whole process take? Laboratory analysis begins only when the final sample arrives. Courier transit, appointment availability and local holidays are usually the largest part of the timeline, so book every participant as early as possible. We confirm expected timing in your written quotation.
How much does it cost? Cost depends on the test type, the number of participants and each collection location, including courier fees. We provide a written quotation before any kit is dispatched.
Is blood needed? Not normally. A cheek swab provides the same DNA profile and travels better internationally.
Can a deceased or unavailable relative be worked around? Often yes, by testing other relatives — siblings, grandparents, aunts or uncles. The statistical strength depends on which relatives take part.
Who receives the results? You do. The report is also sent to a receiving office or your representative when you instruct us in writing to do so.
What if names are spelled differently on our documents? Use the passport spelling on every form and tell us about any variation in the civil documents so the case record is consistent.
Can testing prove citizenship or guarantee approval? No. A report addresses a biological relationship only. The decision on the application belongs to the immigration authority.
Practical points that save time
- Follow the instruction letter exactly, including named test type and any deadline.
- Never open, swab or reseal a kit yourself in an immigration case.
- Confirm the mailing address and a working phone number for every participant before kits ship.
- Ask for a quotation in writing before booking, so collection, courier and reporting costs are clear.
Next steps
Review the service details on our Immigration DNA Testing page, or contact us with your instruction letter and participant locations for a written quotation and a collection plan for each country involved.