What is an immigration test?
A DNA immigration test is a paternity, maternity or kinship test conducted at the request of Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) in connection with a family sponsorship or citizenship application.

Do I need a lawyer?
No, you do not need a lawyer but the test must be requested in writing by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Do I need a doctor’s order or court order?
No, Orchid Cellmark does not require a doctor’s order or court order but the test must be requested in writing by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

What paperwork do I need to submit to Orchid Cellmark?
In order to set up a case, we need a copy of the letter from Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

What types of tests can be performed?
Orchid Cellmark can conduct routine DNA paternity or maternity testing or more complex family studies using a variety of different DNA technologies.

Can DNA testing take place without the mother?
It is possible to conduct a DNA paternity or kinship test without a sample from the child’s biological mother however whenever possible, it is useful to test a sample from the child’s biological mother.

Can testing take place without the father?
It is possible to conduct a DNA maternity or kinship test without a sample from the child’s biological father however whenever possible, it is useful to test a sample from the child’s biological father.

How is my personal information protected?
Your privacy and security are important to us. Once samples are taken in the collection site, they are packaged in a tamper proof bag for shipment to our DNA testing laboratory. Entry into our DNA testing facility is by restricted access only. All samples are bar-coded and all computer systems are secured. Results are sent to authorized individuals only and cases are only discussed with those who are authorized to do so. For the protection of the tested parties, results are not usually released over the phone except in unusual circumstances. All samples and DNA profiles are retained for a period of time, as required by accreditation guidelines but are destroyed after the requisite storage periods.

Can my DNA be used to test for a pre-existing condition that could prevent me from receiving health care insurance?
The DNA markers which are tested for relationship testing do not provide any information on any specific physical or medical condition that might affect your health care insurance.