Traveling abroad, especially to countries like Canada or the US through the family route, involves a series of legal and documentation processes.
One key requirement that many people overlook or are unaware of is the DNA test. This article will address why a DNA test is often required, how it helps in the immigration process, and answer the burning questions of prospective travelers.
The Role of DNA Testing in Immigration
Immigration DNA tests serve as a means to establish family ties. When applying to move to Canada or the US under family sponsorship, you may be required to undergo a DNA test to prove your biological relationship with the family member living abroad. Immigration authorities in these countries want to ensure that the family connections claimed are legitimate.
Why You Might Need a DNA Test for Immigration
There are several reasons why immigration authorities may require a DNA test:
1. Proving Family Relationships: If documents such as birth certificates are missing, incomplete, or considered unreliable, the Canadian or US embassies may request a DNA test to verify familial connections between the applicant and the family sponsor.
2. Preventing Fraud: With the increasing number of fraudulent applications, DNA tests help prevent cases of false claims about biological ties.
3. Confirming Complex Family Structures: In cases where family structures are complicated (e.g., aunts, uncles, or grandparents serving as sponsors), a DNA test may be requested to clarify these relationships.
Importance of Immigration DNA Testing
In some instances, the Canadian and US governments may not immediately accept the documents provided to prove family ties.
For example, a birth certificate might not be deemed enough, or the embassy might question the authenticity of a document from Nigeria. Immigration DNA testing provides irrefutable evidence and resolves disputes about family relationships, ensuring your immigration application stands a better chance of approval.
This step ensures that family sponsorship programs are not abused and that only legitimate family reunification cases are processed.
Types of Relationships That Might Require a DNA Test
– Parent-child relationships
– Sibling relationships
– Relationships with extended family members such as aunts, uncles, and grandparents
Understanding the Cost of DNA Testing in Nigeria
Many intending travelers often ask, “How much is DNA test in Nigeria?” The cost of a DNA test in Nigeria varies depending on the hospital or clinic where it’s conducted. Below is a detailed breakdown:
How Much Is DNA Test in LUTH?
Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) is one of the most recognized places for DNA testing in Nigeria. The DNA test price in Nigeria at LUTH ranges from ₦50,000 to ₦120,000, depending on the complexity of the test and the family relationship being confirmed.
How Much Is DNA Test in UCH Ibadan?
For those in the southwestern part of Nigeria, the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan provides DNA tests at a cost of ₦70,000 to ₦150,000. UCH is one of Nigeria’s premier healthcare institutions, and its test results are widely accepted by foreign embassies.
How Much Does DNA Test Cost in Nigeria Generally?
Across Nigeria, the cost of DNA testing can range between ₦50,000 to ₦200,000. This variation is due to several factors including:
– The type of test being done (e.g., a paternity test may be cheaper than a more comprehensive test involving extended family members).
– The facility where the test is conducted. For instance, private clinics may charge higher rates compared to public hospitals.
Cheapest DNA Test in Nigeria
For those seeking affordable options, some laboratories offer the cheapest DNA test in Nigeria at around ₦40,000. However, it’s essential to ensure that the test is recognized by the embassies and carried out in certified facilities. Unrecognized tests can lead to your results being rejected, resulting in wasted time and money.
Specific DNA Testing Prices in Nigerian Hospitals
Different hospitals and regions in Nigeria offer DNA tests at varying prices. Below are some common price points from well-known hospitals:
At most general hospitals in Nigeria, the price of a DNA test ranges from ₦40,000 to ₦90,000, depending on the specific tests required and the number of individuals being tested.
DNA Test Price in Nigeria for 2023 and 2024
As of 2023, the price of a DNA test in Nigeria remained relatively stable, ranging between ₦50,000 and ₦150,000. However, in 2024, due to inflation and changes in the healthcare sector, the cost is projected to rise slightly, with estimates around ₦60,000 to ₦180,000. It is advisable to check current prices at reputable labs before making arrangements.
What Happens After the DNA Test?
Once the DNA test is completed, the results are sent directly to the embassy or immigration authority that requested the test. The results are usually processed within 4 to 8 weeks. If the test confirms the claimed relationship, the immigration application can proceed. If it fails, it may result in a delay or denial of the application.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) accepts DNA test results as a valid form of evidence for immigration and citizenship applications to establish biological relationships, such as between parents and children or between siblings.
When applying for immigration or citizenship, IRCC provides a DNA letter to inform applicants about the option to submit DNA test results. Applicants will need to reach out directly to an SCC-accredited laboratory and present them with a copy of the DNA letter.
The DNA letter contains important information for the applicant:
– The choice to undergo DNA testing is entirely voluntary.
– All expenses associated with the DNA test must be covered by the applicant, regardless of the outcome. This includes costs for sample collection, shipping, laboratory analysis, and the final report that is sent directly to both IRCC and the applicant.
– Only DNA test results from SCC-accredited laboratories will be recognized by IRCC. It is the applicant’s responsibility to select an accredited lab, as results from non-accredited laboratories will be rejected.
– Applicants must provide two passport-sized photographs and two valid forms of identification to verify their identity, one of which must be a government-issued photo ID.
– A release and consent form will need to be signed by the applicant (provided by the laboratory), allowing the lab to send the test results to IRCC.
– The government does not take responsibility for the outcomes of the DNA analysis.
Procedures for DNA Testing for Citizenship Outside Canada
For applicants seeking citizenship from abroad, additional procedures are in place based on their location and the residency of their Canadian parent.
Applicants Outside Canada (Not in the U.S.)
For those whose Canadian parent resides outside Canada (excluding the U.S.), the Case Processing Centre in Sydney (CPC-S), Nova Scotia, will:
– Send the DNA letter to the consular office abroad (excluding the U.S.) for distribution to the applicant. This will include:
– A copy of the first page of the proof application (CIT 0001), which features the applicant’s photo and personal details.
– The Canadian parent’s proof of citizenship.
Applicants Outside Canada with a Canadian Citizen Parent Residing in Canada
In this scenario, the CPC-S will:
– Directly send the DNA letter to the applicant or the minor child’s parent in Canada, with a copy sent to the relevant consular office. This will include:
– A copy of the first page of the proof application (CIT 0001), showing the child’s photo and personal information.
– The Canadian parent’s proof of citizenship.
If both the consular office and migration office are situated in the same city, the consular officer can organize appointments for DNA sample collection with the migration office.
However, if they are located in different cities, the laboratory will request the consular office to arrange an appointment for DNA sample collection.
The consular officer will then refer the case to the appropriate migration office, providing a copy of the proof application and the Canadian parent’s proof of citizenship. The migration office will contact the applicant to set up a DNA sample collection following the outlined procedures.
Note: The consular officer should not be present during the DNA sample collection. An IRCC officer or staff member from the migration office must be present for the collection of DNA samples for immigration or citizenship purposes.
Applicants in the U.S.
For clients residing in the U.S., the CPC-S will send the DNA letter and relevant documents directly to the migration office in the U.S. that oversees the area where the client lives. The migration office will then follow the established procedures for DNA sample collection as outlined above.