Canadian immigration and citizenship applications sometimes depend on proving a family relationship. When the required documents are missing, unclear, or unavailable, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may turn to DNA testing to confirm the genetic link between a sponsor and an applicant. Understanding how IRCC immigration DNA testing works, which laboratories are approved, and what the process involves can help families prepare for this step with confidence.
Why IRCC Requests DNA Testing
IRCC does not request DNA testing routinely. The department only asks for it when it cannot confirm a family relationship through documents such as birth certificates or legal adoption records. In those situations, a DNA test can serve as objective evidence of a biological connection between family members.
The genetic link being verified is usually between a parent and a child, or between brothers and sisters. These relationships are central to many family sponsorship applications and to certain citizenship claims. When paperwork alone cannot tell the full story, DNA results give IRCC the information it needs to make a fair decision.
Applicants and sponsors should remember that a request for DNA testing is not an accusation. It is a verification tool used when documentary evidence is insufficient. Treating the request as a straightforward procedural step can make the experience easier for everyone involved.
IRCC Only Accepts Results From SCC-Accredited Laboratories
One of the most important details to understand is that IRCC only accepts DNA test results from laboratories accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC). This requirement was confirmed in a May 2024 publication from the SCC that lists accredited DNA relationship testing laboratories.
Accreditation matters because it signals that a laboratory meets rigorous standards for testing procedures, quality control, and result accuracy. It provides assurance to both IRCC and the families involved that the DNA analysis was conducted properly and that the results can be trusted. Skipping this step is not an option, since IRCC will not accept results from a laboratory that lacks SCC accreditation.
BCIT’s Forensic DNA Laboratory is one of a select few in Canada recognized by IRCC to conduct DNA identification tests for immigration purposes. It is accredited to the ISO/IEC 17025 standard and to the SCC Requirements and Guidance for the Accreditation for Forensic Testing Laboratories. Genetrack is described as Canada’s oldest and largest SCC-accredited DNA testing laboratory, providing IRCC-approved immigration DNA testing for more than two decades. The DNALAB also offers IRCC-approved immigration and citizenship DNA testing in Canada, with pricing starting at $600 plus tax.
Because the list of accredited laboratories is specific, families should confirm before any testing begins that their chosen provider holds the appropriate SCC accreditation. Using a non-accredited laboratory may mean the results cannot be used for the immigration application, which would cause delays and additional costs down the road.
How IRCC Immigration DNA Testing Works
The process for immigration DNA testing is structured and involves several coordinated steps. Both the sponsor and each applicant must participate, and the laboratory handles the scheduling and logistics from start to finish. Knowing what to expect at each stage helps reduce uncertainty for families already dealing with a lengthy application process.
Step 1: Receive the DNA Testing Request
IRCC will inform the applicant or sponsor that DNA testing is required for the application. This typically follows a review of the submitted documents, when the department concludes that the family relationship cannot be verified through paperwork alone.
Step 2: Choose an SCC-Accredited Laboratory
Once the request has been made, the family selects an approved laboratory to perform the testing. The laboratory will coordinate the logistics, including sample collection for each person who needs to be tested. Confirming accreditation early prevents problems later in the process.
Step 3: Book Sample Collection Appointments
The laboratory will set up a sample collection appointment for each person to be tested. This includes both the sponsor in Canada and each applicant abroad. The appointments ensure that samples are collected under controlled conditions and that the chain of custody is maintained, which is essential for immigration purposes.
Step 4: Samples Are Collected and Sent for Analysis
During the appointment, a sample is collected from each participant, typically through a cheek swab. The samples are then sent to the accredited laboratory for analysis. Because this is an immigration test, the collection process follows strict protocols to ensure the results can be trusted by IRCC.
Step 5: Results Are Returned to IRCC
Once the analysis is complete, the laboratory reports the results. IRCC receives the findings and uses them to make a final decision on the relationship claim in the application. The process is designed to be as smooth as possible, but the timeline can vary depending on the number of people being tested and their locations.
Accuracy Requirements for Immigration DNA Tests
IRCC requires a high degree of accuracy in the DNA tests it accepts. Laboratories recognized for immigration testing offer accuracy rates of over 99.8 percent, which provides strong statistical confidence in the results. For families, this means a clear answer about the biological relationship in question.
This level of accuracy is one of the reasons SCC accreditation is so important. It reflects a laboratory’s ability to meet the technical and procedural demands of relationship testing at the standard IRCC expects. Accreditation is not a formality; it is a meaningful indicator of reliability.
Citizenship Applications and Surrogacy Cases
Immigration DNA testing is not limited to sponsorship applications. It can also play a role in citizenship applications. DNA samples are sometimes used to establish a genetic link between a parent and a child for citizenship proof applications involving children born through surrogacy.
In 2013, Citizenship and Immigration Canada launched a pilot project in India, outside of New Delhi, to test using the Panel Physicians network to collect DNA samples when required for these applications. That notice has since been archived, but it illustrates that DNA testing has been connected to citizenship procedures for many years. Anyone in a similar situation should confirm the current process with IRCC or their accredited laboratory.
Changes to IRCC DNA Testing Procedures in 2025
IRCC modernized its DNA testing procedures with a new framework that took effect on September 5, 2025. The updated guidelines were designed to improve clarity, fairness, and consistency in how DNA evidence is requested and handled across immigration and citizenship applications.
For families, the practical effect of this modernization is a more predictable process. The rules around when testing is requested, how results are used, and what applicants can expect are clearer than before. It remains wise to work with an experienced accredited laboratory that understands the current requirements and can guide you through them.
Your Choices When IRCC Requests a DNA Test
IRCC has the right to request DNA testing when it needs to verify a family relationship. However, applicants do have choices when this happens. You may consent to the testing, and cooperation generally allows the application to move forward. Declining to participate can have consequences for the application, so it is important to understand the implications before making a decision.
The best approach is to discuss the request with your sponsor, your accredited laboratory, and, if needed, a Canadian immigration lawyer. Legal counsel can help you understand how the DNA request fits into your overall application strategy and what options are available to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does IRCC ask for DNA tests?
Yes, IRCC has the right to request DNA testing when standard documents cannot confirm a family relationship. Testing is used only in specific situations where IRCC needs objective evidence of a genetic link, and it is not requested for every application. You have choices when a request is made, and an accredited laboratory can help you navigate the process.
Can I use any laboratory for my IRCC immigration DNA test?
No. IRCC only accepts DNA test results from laboratories accredited by the Standards Council of Canada. Using a laboratory without SCC accreditation can result in your test results not being accepted for your immigration or citizenship application. Always confirm accreditation status before booking an appointment.
What relationships can immigration DNA testing verify?
IRCC accepts DNA test results as evidence of a genetic link between a parent and a child, and between brothers and sisters. These relationship tests are used in family sponsorship and citizenship applications where documentary evidence is insufficient. The accredited laboratory will confirm which type of relationship test is appropriate for your case.
How accurate are IRCC-approved DNA tests?
Laboratories that conduct DNA identification tests for IRCC immigration purposes offer accuracy rates over 99.8 percent. This high level of accuracy is a requirement for immigration testing and is supported by accreditation standards from the SCC and ISO/IEC 17025 for participating laboratories.
If IRCC has requested DNA testing for your immigration application, working with an SCC-accredited laboratory is essential. From sample collection appointments for sponsors and applicants to accurate results that IRCC will accept, the process is designed to give families a reliable way to confirm their relationships. Speak with an accredited provider early to understand the process timeline and ensure your application moves forward without unnecessary delays.