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Immigration FAQ
Is Maxxam the best laboratory for me to use for DNA testing for Immigration purposes?
What type of privacy laws are there that protect my information and how confidential is your staff?
How do I provide a sample for DNA analysis?
How reliable are the results?
Who is required to submit a sample?
What types of identification will my relatives or myself need to submit at the time of testing?
How long does testing take?
Why are we being asked to test both parents when immigration is only questioning one relationship?
How can I ensure that my samples or the samples from my applicant will not be tampered with?
Is Maxxam the best laboratory for me to use for DNA testing for Immigration purposes?
Accreditation is the one and only way for a laboratory to give its clients confidence in the quality of the analyses performed. Understanding this, Maxxam was the first private laboratory in Canada to make this commitment to quality and in January 2000 was awarded its accreditation for DNA testing by the SCC. In addition to maintaining SCC accreditation, Maxxam was also audited and awarded accreditation by the FQS-I in August 2001. As well as these accreditations, Maxxam offers over 30 years of laboratory experience in providing information and expert testimony as it relates to child custody/support, immigration eligibility, estate settlements, forensic investigations, independent DNA testing and consulting services.
What type of privacy laws are there that protect my information and how confidential is your staff?
Our work is conducted in a secure environment and all aspects of your case will be treated in a confidential manner. Our staff is bound by the Privacy laws in Canada, which protect all individuals and their information from being shared. As well, all Maxxam staff have signed confidentiality agreements.
How do I provide a sample for DNA analysis?
One of our qualified technicians will take what is known as a buccal swab. This is simply done by rubbing a swab inside the side of your cheek. It is a very painless and routine procedure.
DNA profiling testing is the most conclusive method available to prove relationships and allows proof of parentage at levels of certainty that are beyond reasonable doubt.
Who is required to submit a sample?
The Embassy will issue a letter identifying which relationships they want verified.
What types of identification will my relatives or myself need to submit at the time of testing?
The Canadian sponsor will need to provide valid photo identification. Sponsors will also need to have a Polaroid picture taken at the time of the sample collection. There is a consent form that is also completed and a fingerprint of the applicant is inked onto the consent form.
For the applicant that is overseas, he or she must submit two passport type photographs along with any government type of documents that will prove identity.
Once we have received all of the samples in a case, we are normally able to complete our testing and submit a report after approximately seven to ten working days.
Very occasionally, it is necessary to repeat part of the scientific process, which may result in a slight delay in reporting.
Please note that we have no control over the timing of overseas sampling as required by the CIC and we are unable to start our testing until we have received all samples.
Why are we being asked to test both parents when immigration is only questioning one relationship?
The test is always more conclusive in a Parent-Child relationship if you have both Parents tested. The fee is the same whether one parent or both are tested.
How can I ensure that my samples or the samples from my applicant will not be tampered with?
Only labs authorized by the Embassy will collect the samples overseas. In many cases, a government officer will be assigned to collect the sample. An Embassy officer will be present to witness the sample collection and they are generally in charge of sealing and shipping the samples.
In Canada, the sample collection is completed at one of our contracted collection sites. These sites are accredited and are required to follow Maxxam’s specific procedures that ensure all samples are sealed and secure.