UK Immigration DNA Testing - Frequently Asked Questions

Greenplace Healthcare
Aug 1
4 min read

By Greenplace Healthcare

Navigating immigration and visa applications can be complex, especially when you're required to prove a biological relationship with a family member. In some cases, the UK Home Office may request or allow you to provide a legal DNA test to support your application.

UK DNA Testing for Immigration & Visa Applications - Frequently Asked Questions — Home Office Approved DNA Testing - Greenplace Healthcare

At Greenplace Healthcare, we partner with Home Office-approved and UKAS-accredited laboratories, offering legally admissible DNA testing for immigration and visa purposes. Below, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions to help you understand the process.

Who can carry out a DNA test for UK immigration?

Only companies working with Home Office-approved labs—like Greenplace Healthcare—can conduct legal DNA tests for immigration. These tests must meet strict chain-of-custody protocols to be accepted by:

The UK Home Office
UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI)
HM Passport Office
Border Force
Immigration Enforcement

How is the DNA sample collected?

Samples are collected by a trained sample collector. This can include:

DNA Sample Collector
Phlebotomist
A GP or registered health clinic
One of our nationwide Walk-in Centres in UK or Worldwide

We only require a cheek (buccal) swab—no blood is needed. Sample collection at home or at a clinic can be arranged at your convenience.

What do I need to bring to my DNA sampling appointment?

Please ensure you bring the following items with you to your DNA sampling appointment:

Two passport-sized photographs of each person being tested.
- These must be recent and clear.
- The sampler will sign each photograph to confirm they are a true likeness of the person providing the sample.
Government-issued identification for each person being tested.
- This can include a valid passport, national ID card, or a Home Office Travel Document.
A photocopy of the ID document you bring.
- This copy will be submitted to our office along with your signed consent form and photographs.

⚠️ Please note that samples cannot be processed without these items, as they are required to meet legal and chain-of-custody standards.

How does DNA testing work if my family member is abroad?

If one or more test participants are outside the UK, don’t worry. We regularly organize international DNA collections through our global network of partner clinics.We coordinate with:

Doctors, GPs, and Nurses
Consulates and embassies
Immigration centres
Overseas labs in over 90 countries

You’ll have a dedicated case manager to guide you through every step.

How long does immigration DNA testing take?

Next-day results are standard once all samples arrive at our lab.
Same-day results are available via express service (samples must arrive before 10 am on a working day).
The overall timeline depends on the location of participants and shipping time.

How much does a UK immigration DNA test cost?

The cost varies depending on:

The number of people being tested
Their locations (UK or abroad)
The speed of results needed

We offer highly competitive pricing and can provide a custom quote based on your case. Contact us for details.

Will I receive a legal report?

Yes. We provide a Legal DNA Test Report, which is:

Fully admissible in UK courts
Recognised by the Home Office and UKVI
Prepared by an expert witness team, if required

This documentation can support applications for:

UK passports
Family reunion visas
Citizenship applications
Settlement and other immigration routes

What will the DNA test results say?

The DNA test results will be provided in a formal report that:

Details the most likely biological relationship between the individuals tested
Includes clear statistical evidence (usually in the form of a probability percentage) to support the conclusion

To ensure the most accurate and conclusive results, it is strongly recommended that the closest relatives are tested.📌 Whenever possible, both parents should be included in the test.

This helps reduce ambiguity and strengthens the scientific reliability of the outcome — particularly important in legal, immigration, or family law cases.

Types of Immigration DNA Tests We Offer

Paternity DNA Test - Father and Child
Maternity DNA Test - Mother and Child
Siblingship Test (full or half siblings)
Avuncular Test (aunt/uncle and niece/nephew)
Grandparentage DNA Test
Prenatal Paternity Test (non-invasive, from week 8 pregnancy)

All tests are conducted through UKAS-accredited, Home Office-compliant labs.

The Greenplace Immigration DNA Testing Process

1. Contact Us

Call us on 02081500059 or Whatsapp +447585610211 or email clients@greenplacehealthcare.co.uk to speak with our dedicated immigration DNA team.

2. Sample Collection

UK clients can visit a local walk-in centre or book an approved medical professional for home visits.

3. Pre-Appointment Coordination

You'll have a dedicated case manager to manage all logistics, paperwork, and international coordination.

4. Reminders & Notifications

We provide timely updates and reminders to help your family stay on track with appointments.

5. At the Appointment

Our trained collectors follow strict UKVI guidelines, ensuring the process is professional and secure.

6. Post-Appointment

Samples are securely shipped to the lab. You’ll receive live tracking, and results are sent within the promised timeframe.

❓ Additional FAQs

Do I need a DNA test to work in the UK?

No, unless you are using a family relationship to support your visa application (e.g. joining a parent, spouse, or child already in the UK).

Can my GP do a DNA test?

Yes, your GP or health clinic can collect samples if they follow the required procedures. There may be a fee for this service. Alternatively, we can arrange collection at one of our walk-in centres.

Can I get a free DNA test on the NHS?

No. Legal DNA tests for immigration are not covered by the NHS. They must be arranged privately through an approved provider like Greenplace Healthcare.