Immigration DNA Testing

A DNA test for a Home Office visa application or a UK passport application might be needed if the client/applicant is applying to join their family members who are already living in the UK as permanent residents, or if they are applying for a UK passport based on a familial relationship.

A person submitting an immigration or passport application will usually be required to submit supporting documents such as birth or marriage certificates.

These documents are often enough to prove a relationship for an immigration application or a passport application.

However, where more evidence is required, or there are no official documents available (e.g. birth certificates), the applicant might choose to take a DNA test to prove a biological relationship to family members residing in the UK.

It’s important to note that the applicant must independently decide to submit DNA evidence, as they cannot be asked to do so by Home Office officials.

When performing DNA testing for immigration/passport applications, a cheek (buccal) swab is rubbed on the inside of each donor’s cheek to collect cheek cell DNA for analysis.

There are certain collection standards that must be met for the DNA evidence to be admissible to the Home Office, UK Visas and Immigration and HM Passport Office.

This includes ensuring the DNA samples are collected under strict chain of custody conditions. When samples are collected under chain of custody, a trained sample collector will obtain the DNA samples from each donor, and photographic identification must also be obtained.

The donors must also provide consent (usually a signature) for their samples to be used for DNA testing. For children under the age of 16, consent must be provided by a parent or guardian with parental responsibility for the child.

Anyone aged 16 or over must provide their own written consent for the DNA test to be performed.

As soon as the DNA samples arrive at the laboratory, they are analysed and compared to determine whether the individuals being tested share enough matching DNA markers to verify a biological relationship.

If they share enough DNA markers, they are likely to be biologically related (e.g. parent and child, aunt/uncle and niece/nephew, full or half-siblings, cousins etc.).

An AlphaBiolabs DNA test can analyse and compare up to 45 DNA markers (loci) – double the industry standard for DNA testing – for a conclusive result.

Examples of DNA testing being used for visa/passport applications include:

• If a child is born abroad to UK citizens and parents are seeking citizenship for the child. In this instance, the individual may choose to have a paternity or maternity test to confirm parentage.
• If a relative plans to move to the UK and they want to submit DNA evidence to confirm a familial relationship (where a UK citizen is sponsoring them for citizenship or a visa), they may decide to have a complex relationship DNA test

Complex relationship DNA tests can be used to verify a biological relationship between siblings, grandparents and their grandchildren, nieces and nephews and their uncle(s) or aunt(s) or even tell us the likelihood of two or more people being cousins.

For DNA testing to be admissible in support of immigration/visa and passport applications, the Home Office, UK Visas and Immigration, HM Passport Office, Border Force, Immigration Enforcement and embassies require the DNA testing to be performed by a UKAS ISO 17025-accredited testing laboratory.

AlphaBiolabs’ DNA laboratory is accredited to the international quality standard ISO 17025 to perform DNA testing.

We are also Ministry of Justice approved to perform parentage DNA testing.

Our DNA immigration tests are recognised and admissible to UK courts, the Ministry of Justice, the Home Office, UK Visas and Immigration, Border Force, Immigration Enforcement and HM Passport Office.

A DNA test for UK immigration/passport applications is performed by rubbing a swab on the inside of each donor’s cheek to collect cheek (buccal) cells for analysis.

These samples are then analysed and compared in the DNA laboratory to identify matching DNA markers (loci) and verify a biological relationship between the donors.

If the individuals are related, they will share enough DNA markers to verify a biological relationship. If they are not related, this will not be the case.

There are also certain collection standards that must be met for DNA evidence to be admissible to the Home Office, UK Visas and Immigration and HM Passport Office.

This includes ensuring the DNA samples are collected under strict chain of custody conditions. When samples are collected under chain of custody, a trained sample collector will obtain the DNA samples from each donor, and photographic identification must also be obtained, to ensure samples are collected from the right people.

When collecting a DNA sample from a foreign location, a sample collection kit will be sent to the required foreign location, and an appointment can be arranged via a local GP, medical practice, hospital, or another approved clinic in the applicant’s country.

The DNA samples are then collected (both in the UK and abroad) under chain of custody, with the donor(s) required to provide a form of ID, including photographic identification.

AlphaBiolabs, is well-versed in collecting DNA samples from individuals living abroad.

We operate alongside a large international network of sample collectors, who work closely with immigration centres, consulates, and embassies worldwide to ensure a fast and efficient service, collecting samples from over 90 different countries worldwide.

Our DNA tests for immigration are accepted by the Home Office, UK Visas and Immigration, HM Passport Office, and UK courts.

Once the DNA samples arrive at our laboratory, our geneticists extract the DNA from the cheek cell samples using the very latest methods and techniques in DNA analysis.

Our DNA laboratory analyses up to 45 DNA markers (loci) – double the industry standard for DNA testing – to determine whether two or more individuals are biologically related.

The DNA test looks at Short Tandem Repeats (STR markers), specific locations on a chromosome made up of sequences of repeated DNA.

Every person has two copies of each STR marker, known as alleles: one inherited from the father and one from the mother.

The two alleles observed at each STR marker are then compared between the tested individuals. If enough matching markers are found, this provides evidence of a biological relationship.

Statistical calculations are then performed to determine the probability of the tested individuals sharing a relationship.

Depending on the reasons for the DNA test, the results will be reviewed by an immigration, nationality and asylum caseworker, immigration and border force officer or passport examiner.

When reviewing the results, the caseworker or passport examiner is required to carefully review the DNA testing laboratory’s explanation of the headline results when considering the application.

If the results do not verify a biological relationship between the applicant and the other sample donor (family member), the case will be referred to a senior official for further consideration.

All our DNA tests are 100% accurate and reliable based on the samples we receive at our laboratory.

We are also UKAS accredited to the international quality standard ISO 17025 for our DNA testing.

Our DNA test results are accepted by the Home Office, UK Visas and Immigration, HM Passport Office, and UK courts.

The cost of a DNA test for immigration depends on several factors including where the samples need to be collected from (e.g. foreign location) and which DNA relationship test is required (e.g. paternity, maternity, sibling, aunt/uncle or grandparent).

Depending on the circumstances, the applicant may be entitled to legal aid towards the cost of the DNA test.

The Legal Aid Agency has produced a wealth of information to assist individuals who want to check whether they are eligible for legal aid funding.

We recommend that anyone seeking an immigration DNA test use the legal aid checker as a starting point before embarking on the complex process of applying for legal aid for an immigration or passport application.

We also offer a six-month interest free payment option for private individuals seeking a DNA test for immigration/passport applications.

We understand that with immigration/passport applications and appeals, the need to meet deadlines is incredibly important.

That’s why we provide next day* DNA test results as standard for immigration cases. We can also offer same day* DNA test results if required.

* working days from when the samples arrive at our laboratory before 10am

It’s easy to request a quote online now. Simply complete our online quote form and a member of our Legal team will be in touch to discuss your requirements.

Alternatively, call us on 0333 600 1300 or email testing@alphabiolabs.com and a member of the Legal team will be happy to discuss your case and provide a quote.