A DNA immigration test is a paternity, maternity or kinship test performed to determine if two or more individuals are biologically related. A standard test is completed using cheek swabs from each tested party.

Orchid Cellmark has a Canadian Specimen Collection Network of 500 sites where a sample can be collected from the Sponsors. The samples from all parties residing overseas will be collected by clinical laboratories and medical staff appointed by the Canadian Embassy in that country.

All samples will be collected under strict Chain of Custody procedures, which meet the requirements of Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

DNA Analysis will be completed using routine DNA testing procedures in most cases but in more complicated kinship cases, Orchid Cellmark may draw on its expertise with alternative DNA technologies including Y-STRs and mitochondrial DNA analysis which are useful in establishing patrilineal and matrilineal relationships respectively. Go to DNA 101 for more information on DNA technologies.