DNA testing is a valuable tool for confirming family relationships. It’s particularly useful in immigration cases, applications, and appeals, as well as for passport applications. This article explores the use of DNA testing in immigration, the types of tests available, and the process involved in the UK and other countries.
How is a DNA test useful for immigration applications?
While documents like birth or marriage certificates are typically sufficient to prove family relationships for immigration, visa, or passport applications, DNA tests can be extremely helpful. However, applicants must voluntarily choose to provide DNA evidence to support their relationship.
Blueprint DNA offers all types of relationship DNA testing in support of immigration and passport applications, including:
- Paternity testing
- Maternity testing
- Sibling testing
- Aunt/uncle (avuncular) testing
- Grandparent testing
- Y chromosome testing
There has been a rise in demand for complex DNA tests, such as those for aunts/uncles, grandparents, siblings, and cousins, as more Ghanaians abroad seek to bring their extended family to abroad too. Previously, these tests could only determine if people were related or not. However, recent technological advancements allow for a more comprehensive understanding of family relationships. For instance, if someone is applying for UK citizenship for multiple children, DNA testing can reveal which children are sons or daughters, or if any are more likely to be nieces or nephews.
What are the legal requirements for laboratories performing immigration DNA testing?
For DNA testing to be accepted in support of immigration/visa and passport applications, including by the Home Office, UK Visas and Immigration, HM Passport Office, Border Force, Immigration Enforcement and embassies, the testing laboratory must:
- Hold ISO/IEC17025 accreditation
- Follow the Home Office process for sample collections – this means an independent witness must collect the sample, such as someone from the testing laboratory
Our mother lab is accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) according to ISO 17025 standards. They also follow Home Office guidelines for all immigration DNA sample collections. Additionally, they have a wide network of professional sample collectors both in the UK and internationally.
What samples are required for an immigration DNA test?
For DNA tests used in UK immigration or passport applications, cheek swabs are collected from all participants. These samples are then analyzed in a laboratory to compare DNA markers and determine if there’s a biological relationship. If the individuals are related, they will share enough DNA markers to confirm this. Our mother lab is known for its advanced DNA testing, analyzing 45 DNA markers for highly accurate and reliable results.
Immigration DNA testing you can trust
Our mother lab has over 20 years of experience working with immigration lawyers and offers top-quality DNA testing services. We specialize in DNA tests for immigration applications, appeals, visas, and passports. Our accredited UK laboratory provides various DNA tests with fast turnaround times.
For more information on our immigration DNA tests, call +233 54 711 3957