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Immigration DNA Testing: How It Works
Overview of UK Immigration DNA Testing
Immigration DNA testing in the UK is often required when a UK citizen is sponsoring the immigration of a relative and needs to prove to the Home Office, Passport Office or UK embassy or consulate that the person seeking to immigrate is indeed a blood relative.
Similarly, DNA testing may be required in cases where a child is born on foreign soil to a parent or parents who are citizens of the United Kingdom in order to allow the child to ultimately be granted UK citizenship. In these cases, the parent or parents contacts a local UK embassy or consulate and requests a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. In the process of evaluating the claim of maternity or paternity, the UK officials may, in some cases, request immigration DNA testing to establish maternity and/or paternity.
Collecting DNA Samples in a Foreign Country for UK Immigration DNA Testing
How It Works
- If the person seeking to immigrate lives in a foreign country, the petitioner must first arrange to have the testing for the relative or child performed by a Ministry of Justice-approved DNA testing laboratory
- The DNA-sample collection must be performed for the relative or child in the foreign country under strict guidelines established by the Passport Office or Embassy
The process is designed to ensure that samples are properly handled and that the chain of custody is correctly documented, thereby making results legally binding.
The Lab Makes all the Arrangements
DNA sample collection abroad is generally arranged directly by the DNA testing laboratory in the UK, once the petitioner makes arrangements with them. The testing process for immigration purposes requires proper documentation and delivery of results to the petitioner and government entities, so it’s more complex than a simple DNA test performed in the UK for non-legal purposes. That being said, you can rest assured that DNA Diagnostics Centre (DDC) has the experience and expertise to minimise delays and deliver approved results quickly.
Working Under Timelines
DNA Diagnostics Centre (DDC) works with petitioners and embassies from over 165 countries. DNA collection can often be arranged within 48 hours in the UK and a few days abroad once the lab receives a request along with proper documentation. The sooner the documentation and information are provided, the sooner the test results can be available to the petitioner and UK Immigration authorities.
Required Paperwork for UK Immigration DNA Testing
- DDC generally needs a copy of the written request for DNA evidence from the Passport Office or UK Embassy or Consulate. Key information provided by in this letter includes the file or case number, the names of the individuals to be tested, and the type of relationship to be tested, whether parent and child, sibling, or other.
- Once in receipt of the written request, DDC sends a kit to the embassy or panel doctor who makes collection arrangements with the beneficiary. As staffing and procedures at UK embassies and consulates can vary by country, the time needed to make arrangements for DNA sample collection can also vary, making this step in the process less consistent and predictable than some.
Although DDC cannot directly influence embassy or consulate procedures, they have more than fifteen years’ experience working with embassies and consulates around the world, and the lab is known for its work in the diplomatic community worldwide. This reputation helps to minimise the chances of unwanted delays in the process.
The Testing Process
Once samples are collected, they are sent to testing laboratories by courier. From arrival it may take 2-7 working days for complete testing, review of results, and reporting to the immigration office, depending on the lab location and the type of testing to be done. Importantly, as DDC performs all DNA tests twice, results are highly reliable and are widely accepted by immigration and consular officials, further reducing the risk of delays in the process.
Once all MOJ immigration testing and reporting is complete, the further processing of the immigration or citizenship application is in the hand of the UK officials. However, with regard to final maternity and paternity results, DDC fully stands by its work and is always prepared to provide documentation to ensure that the legal process goes as smoothly and quickly as possible.
Hi I need to do a DNA test for my son who is 8 years old to prove who his biological father is, the biological father is currently in Bangladesh who I recently got married too. We need show he is the father of my son so we can proceed with applying for my husband to come and be with us here in the UK. Many thanks
Hi, Nasima. Please call our experts at 020 3301 7346 and we’ll be happy to assist you.
Do you do DNA testing for UK immigration purposes in Ethiopia?
Yes, we do. For inquiries, please email [email protected].
I am adopted in the US in 1976 but after I got a DNA test I found out that I’m 48% Great Britain but not Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Would I be able to petition for British Citizenship or not because I don’t know who my relatives are?
Hello, Melissa. In order to petition for British citizenship, you would need to be able to prove a biological relationship with an existing relative who is a British citizen, using DNA testing or legal documentation (birth certificate, etc.). Results of an ancestry test are not valid for proof. You’re welcome to contact us if you want to speak with someone directly at 020 3301 7346.
Hi
I need to prove that my daughter is my biological daughter in order to bring her here. She lives in Ivory Coast. How can this be done?
Hello, Patricia. We can arrange that for you. Just give us a ring at 020 3301 7346
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Monday – Friday 8 AM to 6 PM
I need to confirm my DNA link the my late Grandfather born Northern Ireland, is it possible as my father and grandfather has passed away
Hello, Desmond. Do you have one or more paternal uncles? If so, you can do an avuncular test or male lineage test with them to help confirm the connection. You’re welcome to contact us to consult regarding your options.
Hi I need to prove my son is my husbands biological father so he can bring us to UK. How do I go about it.
Hello, Gina. Just give us a ring on 020 3301 7346.
Hi am thessy my husband is a British currently living in my homeland Ghana we have a two months old baby do we need to make another DNA test when applying for her British passport overseas since we have a record of DNA test 2018 for our first child British passport …
Hi, Theresa. That is up to the immigration authorities to decide.
Hi, My biological father is from Northern Ireland. I have been using a different name but would like to get my It’s passport and go to Ireland. Would I need to do a DNA Test I’m order to prove he is my biological father since I use a different name?
Hello, Ruth. That is a question best answered by one of our immigration specialists. Ring us on 0800 009 2969 and one of our experts will be happy to look into this for you.
Hi, I would like to apply for British Passport for my six children who all are born in Afghanistan after my Naturalization. I will provide all the necessary documents to prove that but the HMPO office may require a DNA test. so my question is? is it possible to do the test in Afghanistan? thanks in advance.
Hi, Sayed. Please ring us on 0800 009 2969 and one of our experts will be happy to explain your options for testing.
Hi am in Nigeria and my father is in United kingdom and he wants a DNA test how can that be done
Hello, Ayomide. Please email us at [email protected] to get started.
Hi my husband done a DNA with DDC in the Uk but the uk immigration side its not recognise, and what can we do next.
Hello. Contact DDC directly on 0800 009 2969
Hello, I am applying for a UK ancestry visa, my grandfather is British, however, my mother’s birth certificate does not list him as the father as they were not married then. I prefer that my mother and grandfather do not know that I am applying for an ancestry visa. Can I get DNA testing done for the UK ancestry visa without their knowledge?
Hello, Ryan. For legal testing, all DNA collection must be witnessed, and so your mother and grandfather would need to be present for DNA collection. For more information, ring our team at 0800 009 2969.
Hi, my partner would like to do a DNA test on a child who lives in Ghana. He went with the child’s mother once (whilst he was in Ghana) and she says the child is his. We live in the UK, how would we go about getting a DNA test done?
Hi, Jennifer. If the mother of the minor child provides consent, then we can arrange for testing all parties.