What is immigration DNA testing in the UK?

Immigration DNA testing in the UK is a legal process to prove biological relationships for visa, passport, and citizenship applications. Greenplace Healthcare provides ISO-accredited, Ministry of Justice-approved DNA testing with full chain of custody for legal admissibility.

How long does immigration DNA testing take in the UK?

Immigration DNA test results are usually ready within 4–6 working days once samples are collected. Greenplace Healthcare offers fast, reliable reporting accepted by UK Visa and Immigration, embassies, and courts.

What countries does Greenplace Healthcare support for international DNA testing?

Greenplace Healthcare supports clients in the UK, USA, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Jordan, Brazil, and many more countries through global embassy partnerships. This ensures immigration DNA results are legally valid worldwide.

Who accepts immigration DNA results?

Immigration DNA results from Greenplace Healthcare are accepted by UK courts, solicitors, the Home Office, HM Passport Office, and international embassies when required for visa, family reunification, or citizenship cases.

International Immigration DNA Testing in the UK – FAQs

Q: Is DNA testing mandatory for UK immigration?

No, DNA testing is voluntary. However, the UK Home Office may request it if documents such as birth certificates or passports are missing or disputed. Greenplace Healthcare works with solicitors worldwide to ensure results are legally valid.

Q: Can immigration DNA testing be carried out if one family member lives outside the UK?

Yes. Greenplace Healthcare coordinates international DNA testing with embassies, consulates, and approved local clinics. Samples can be collected in different countries such as Nigeria, USA, Jordan, Brazil, or Dubai while maintaining a strict legal chain of custody.

Greenplace Healthcare
Sep 5
3 min read

International Immigration DNA Testing in the UK – FAQs

1. What is immigration DNA testing?

Immigration DNA testing in the UK is a legally admissible genetic test used to establish biological relationships in immigration, visa, or citizenship cases. It involves fingerprint-like DNA profiling, typically via cheek swabs, and must be conducted under strict procedures to be accepted by authorities.

2. Is DNA testing mandatory for UK immigration?

No—it is voluntary. The Home Office and HM Passport Office may suggest DNA testing if documentary evidence (birth certificates, civil registry documents) is missing or disputed. However, it cannot be made mandatory.

3. What are the legal or accreditation requirements for accepted DNA tests?

Accepted tests must be:

Conducted by an ISO/IEC 17025 and Ministry of Justice (MoJ) accredited lab.
Collected with a Home Office-compliant chain of custody, including verified ID and witnessed collection.

4. How long does an immigration DNA test take in the UK?

Typical turnaround is 4–6 working days, inclusive of:

Booking and sample collection: 1–3 days
Lab processing: 1 day (UKAS-accredited)
Report issuance: 1 day

Delays may arise due to remote sampling, embassy coordination, or busy periods.

5. Who can perform or authorize the DNA test?

Tests must be performed by:

Authorized professionals or clinics with properly witnessed collections, including photographic ID.
Overseas applicants can use British High Commissions, Embassies, or approved local samplers.

6. Can DNA results alone override missing documentation?

No. DNA evidence is considered supporting evidence, not a substitute for standard documents (e.g., birth certificates). The decision is made using the balance of probabilities, considering all evidence collectively.

7. Are immigration DNA tests accepted by UK Visa and Passport authorities?

Yes—when the test meets the proper standards (ISO-accredited lab and verified sampling), HM Passport Office and UK Visas & Immigration often accept the results as part of the application process.

8. What relationships can be tested?

Most commonly: paternity, maternity, sibling, extended relationships (aunt/uncle, niece/nephew), and other kinship tests. Legal accuracy (99.9% inclusion; 100% exclusion) is maintained through multi-marker testing.

9. What are common applicant concerns or queries?

From real applicant discussions:

“I had previously submitted DNA in 2015 but was asked for it again during my visa interview.”— This may happen if prior tests were not from approved providers or no longer valid.

“I uploaded my birth certificate; they asked for DNA later.”— DNA may be requested during appeals or when documentation is questioned.

10. How does Greenplace Healthcare support this process?

We are a world-leading provider of international immigration DNA testing.
Fully ISO- and MoJ-accredited UK labs.
We conduct strict chain-of-custody collections, with verified ID, witness procedures, and award-win credibility among solicitors and clients.
We coordinate with embassies, consulates, and solicitors, ensuring legally admissible reports globally.

11. Can immigration DNA testing be carried out if one family member lives outside the UK?

Yes. Immigration DNA testing is designed for international family reunification cases, so samples can be collected in different countries. For example, one parent may provide a DNA sample in London, UK, while the child provides theirs in Nigeria, the USA, Jordan, or Brazil.

Greenplace Healthcare coordinates with:

UK embassies, high commissions, and consulates abroad
Approved local collection centres in countries like Dubai, Ukraine, Ghana, and the USA
ISO-accredited partner labs to maintain full legal chain of custody

This ensures that your DNA results are legally valid worldwide and accepted by UK courts, solicitors, and immigration authorities.