Fact Sheet 23 - DNA Testing
On this page
About DNA
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) is the genetic material present in every cell of the body. For example, it is in blood, saliva, skin and hair. Everyone has DNA. A person inherits their DNA makeup from their parents. Therefore, blood relatives share similar DNA.
DNA testing
DNA testing compares genetic material from two or more people to determine if they are biologically related. The genetic material for testing is usually taken from a mouth swab or blood sample.
Why DNA testing is suggested for some applicants?
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship endorses DNA testing as one means of providing evidence of a claimed biological family relationship. Usually other forms of evidence such as birth certificates or family books are available. However, DNA testing is a useful option when documentary evidence of a claimed biological relationship is unreliable or is unavailable.
The department may suggest that applicants undertake DNA testing as a means to prove a claimed biological relationship when the department is not satisfied with available evidence of a claimed relationship.
Applicants may be required to provide evidence of a family relationship to meet the criteria for the grant of a visa or Australian citizenship by descent. DNA test results provide evidence of claimed family relationships, for example parent-child relationship or brothers and sisters.
DNA testing is not mandatory
Applicants do not have to undertake DNA testing when its use is suggested.
DNA testing is not required by law. It is another form of evidence; usually an alternative to a birth certificate. If an applicant decides to undertake DNA testing, the department provides information on how to arrange a test that will meet the department's requirements. Any test obtained outside the departmental requirements may not be accepted.
If an applicant decides not to undertake DNA testing, a decision on the visa or citizenship by descent application will be made on the information available to the department at that time.
Costs for DNA testing
Applicants for migrant visas or Australian citizenship by descent must pay the full costs for DNA testing.
The department pays the full costs of DNA testing for refugee visa applicants. However, Special Humanitarian Program applicants who are offered DNA testing must pay the full costs of DNA testing.
Counselling
Applicants can seek counselling (advice) from a health professional or a panel doctor before deciding to undertake DNA testing. Counselling is also available after the DNA test results are known.
Note: applicants are responsible for paying for any counselling undertaken.
What the DNA test results show
DNA testing of a parent and a child shows the biological link between them. In most cases DNA testing confirms the claimed relationship. Sometimes the DNA test does not give a clear result of a relationship for other family members. If a result is not clear, the laboratory will explain the results.
What the DNA test results are used for?
The DNA tests results disclosed to the department will be used strictly for immigration purposes only.
Privacy and confidentiality issues
The department is bound by the Privacy Act 1988.
DNA testing laboratories must obtain the applicants written consent before they can disclose their DNA test results to the department or to a sponsor.
Laboratories
If the department suggests applicants undertake DNA testing, they will recommend applicants use certain laboratories with which arrangements are in place to do DNA testing for immigration purposes. Details of these laboratories will be provided by the department in the letter to applicants.
The Process for DNA Testing
The process for DNA testing involves the following steps:
The department contacts applicants by letter suggesting a DNA test be undertaken. The letter provides information about DNA testing, the DNA testing process and a list of DNA testing laboratories.
It is up to the applicant to decide whether to proceed with the DNA testing. The applicant may seek counselling from a health professional or panel doctor. If the applicant decides not to proceed with the test, the department will decide the visa or citizenship by descent application on the information available at that time.
If the applicant decides to proceed with the test, the applicant needs to contact a DNA laboratory to make an appointment with the laboratory and to arrange with the laboratory to pay the costs of the DNA testing.
The laboratory will contact the applicant to collect samples from all people being tested. Samples are usually taken from a mouth swab or blood spot.
A representative from the department must be present when the samples are taken from all donors overseas. Occasionally sample-taking from donors in Australia will also be witnessed.
DNA tests that do not meet the department's requirement may not be accepted. (DNA test results that are recognised legally in Australia may be acceptable).
Applicants will be requested to sign a consent form to allow the results to be provided direct to the department. The DNA test results will be sent to the applicant as well as to the department.
The results of DNA tests are usually available 14 days from the date the DNA laboratory receives all samples.
Note: There is a different process for DNA testing for refugee applicants. The department will advise the necessary arrangements.
Read this information in other languages
This information is also available in the following languages:
Need more information about DNA testing?
If you or your relative have been asked to undertake DNA testing and you have further questions, or need more information about DNA testing, please contact the office which suggested the test.
Further information is available on the department's web site.
See: www.immi.gov.au
The department also operates a national telephone service inquiry line.
Telephone: 131 881
Hours of operation: Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4 pm (recorded information available outside these hours) for the cost of a local call anywhere in Australia.
Fact Sheet 23. Produced by the National Communications Branch, Department of Immigration and Citizenship, Canberra.
Last reviewed 19 August 2009.
© Commonwealth of Australia 2009.