Cellmark is the only company contracted to provide DNA relationship testing for the UK Border Agency. Our results are accepted by United Kingdom and United States immigration departments as well as by other government immigration departments.

We also undertake a large number of DNA relationship testing cases for private customers who require evidence of relationship to support their immigration and visa applications, or as part of an appeal against a decision based upon a disputed relationship.

If I need a DNA test for Immigration – What should I do?

Either contact our Customer Services team by telephone: 08000 362 522 from the UK or +44 1235 528000 from outside the UK, or by email: info@cellmark.co.uk. They wil be able to assist you to register a case - alternatively if you are ready to proceed now you can register your case online by clicking on this link.

Do I need to use a solicitor?

Not necessarily. However to obtain public funding in the UK for testing you will need to contact a solicitor. You may also find that a solicitor or advice agency such as the Immigration Advisory Service or Immigration Consultancy Services can offer assistance in completing the forms.

How much will it cost?

Our standard charges are £465 + VAT for up to 3 individuals and then £155 +VAT per additional person. In addition, you will need to pay the cost of having the DNA samples taken. The sampler’s fees will vary and you will need to contact them direct to establish the exact price.

What relationships can you identify?

DNA testing can conclusively identify parent/child relationships and is helpful in identifying close relationships such as aunt or uncle/niece or nephew, grandparent/grandchild, or brother/sister. DNA testing may also provide useful information to assess halfbrother/sister relationships. Our highly trained staff will discuss each case with you to ensure that the most appropriate ‘known’ relatives are tested and that the best DNA technology is used, to achieve the most conclusive result.

How do you collect a DNA sample?

We use a simple, painless, mouth swab collection system. The swab is rubbed gently around the inside of your mouth to collect a sample of cheek cells.

Who will take the samples for the test?

Cellmark can provide a list of samplers in your area so it is as easy as possible to have your sample taken. If you are not resident in the UK it is your responsibility to contact your nearest British High Commission to see whether they would be willing to take samples for a private DNA test. If they are willing, mouth swab sampling kits will be sent directly to the Embassy.

What do I need to take to the sampling appointment?

Please ensure that you take two passport-sized photographs, of each person to be tested, to the sampling appointment. The sampler must sign these photographs, providing evidence that they are a true likeness of the person who has given the sample. We also require you to take Government-issued identification, such as a passport or Home Office Travel Document, and a photocopy of this ID to the sampling appointment. The photocopy of this ID document will be forwarded to our office along with the sample, forms consenting to the DNA test and the photographs.

How long will it take?

Once we’ve received all the samples in the case at our UK laboratories, it will usually take approximately 10-15 working days to obtain a result. That said the process including arranging for the samples to be collected and sent back to our lab here in the UK can add extra time - we now offer a courier service to speed things up - contact our customer services team for further details.

What will the results say?

We will produce a report using the DNA samples we have tested which will detail the most likely relationship between the individuals tested, and contain statistics to support this. To ensure the most conclusive result, it is important that the closest relatives are tested. Whenever possible both parents should be tested. Download our guide by clicking in this link.

What happens to my results?

We will send a copy of the report to those parties listed on the Report Distribution section of the registration form. No one will receive a copy of the results unless they are listed on this form. If you require a copy of the report to be sent to the British High Commission/Embassy, you must include those details.

Will the Home Office/Immigration Authorities accept my results?

Cellmark produces results which have been accepted as evidence of claimed relationships by UK courts of law since 1987, but we cannot guarantee that an application made to the Embassy will be accepted. Visa services manage the United Kingdom's entry clearance (visa) operation from visa offices in British overseas missions. Click this link to go direct to their website.

Is your service available in other languages?

Members of our staff speak a range of languages in addition to English, such as Urdu, Hindi, Cantonese, French, and many other Asian, African and European languages. When contacting our Customer Services Department, please state which language you prefer to speak and we will do our best to find someone to assist you.

Call Cellmark free on 08000 362 522 for free, confidential advice.

Cellmark has been providing an approved DNA testing for Immigration service for 20 years!