DNA testing is a powerful tool in the immigration application process for confirming relationships between family members. DNA testing can be a requirement when official documents, such as birth certificates, marriage records, and adoption papers, are missing, unreliable or disputed. Understanding when an immigration DNA test is required can help applicants and their representatives avoid delays and strengthen applications.
1. Family Migration Applications
Most family-based immigration applications under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules require proof of a qualifying relationship, such as parent–child. DNA evidence may be considered necessary when:
- Official records (e.g. birth certificates) are unavailable
- Documents provided are inconsistent or suspected to be fraudulent
- The claimed biological relationship is otherwise in doubt
In such circumstances, DNA testing offers the strongest evidence of a biological link.
2. Refugee and Asylum Family Reunion
For individuals seeking to bring family members to the UK under refugee family reunion rules, DNA evidence is often suggested where there are no reliable records to demonstrate the relationship. Applicants fleeing conflict or persecution may lack civil documents, and DNA testing provides an objective means of confirming family ties while helping to prevent fraudulent claims.
3. Adoption and Child-Related Cases
In adoption or guardianship cases, the Home Office may consider DNA testing to ensure that a child is not being wrongfully separated from biological parents. Likewise, in cases involving dependent children where parentage is unclear or contested, DNA results can resolve doubts and support the application.
4. British Citizenship by Descent
Children born outside the UK may automatically acquire British citizenship if one parent is British. Where documentary evidence is insufficient or questionable, a DNA test may be used to prove the biological relationship before the child can obtain a passport or nationality certificate.
Important Considerations
Immigration DNA tests must be conducted by laboratories accredited by the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS). Cellmark is a UKAS accredited testing laboratory No. 2045 and is certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 27001 international quality standards. Results produced by us have been accepted as evidence of claimed relationships by UK courts of law since 1987.
With a comprehensive nationwide sampling service and access to samplers in more than 50 countries around the world, we can quickly arrange an appointment with a sampler, many of whom hold stock of our sampling kits. We can also arrange international couriers to speed up the sending of testing kits and returning of DNA samples. You can rely on Cellmark to ensure the process of organising your testing is simple and straightforward.
You can obtain a quote for DNA testing for immigration instantly using our online form or by calling Cellmark's Customer Services team on 0800 036 2522.