DNA Immigration tests are taken for immigrants that are migrating to another country. In the UK, they are handled by the Passport Office, Home Office, or the UK Embassy. They are required in almost all cases where an immigrant is being sponsored by a relative.

However, most people may find this invasive and mysterious even though it’s perfectly normal. Hence, here is everything you need to know about DNA Immigration testing in the UK.

When do you need to take a DNA immigration test?

DNA tests are pretty common when it comes to immigration. They are usually needed when the relative of an immigrant is sponsoring their immigration into that country. In this case, the DNA test determines if they’re actually related to each other. That is how it happens in the UK. The UK citizen sponsoring the immigration has to prove blood-relation to the Home Office, Passport Office or the UK Embassy. However, that’s not the only reason that you may be asked for a DNA immigration test.

They can be required in cases when a child has been born on foreign soil. In order to prove that the child is related to both parents, a DNA test is mandatory. The two parents need to be citizens of the United Kingdom already though. If the child is to be granted complete citizenship, those requirements need to be met. The process of evaluation of the maternity or paternity claim, officials from the UK can request immigration DNA testing. This is only in some cases, however, when determining the parentage is absolutely necessary.

How does immigration DNA testing work?

DNA Immigration Testing works in a very straightforward manner in the UK.

• If the immigrant lives in a foreign country, the petitioner has to arrange for the test to be performed. The test, for a relative or child and has to be administered by a Ministry of Justice approved testing laboratory.
• The DNA sample has to be collected, for the relative or child, in the foreign country. This has to be done under strict guidelines which have been established by the Passport Office/Embassy.

This process is designed for maximum purity of the samples collected and proper handling and testing. Also, this process makes sure that the chain of custody is verifiable and thus the results aren’t tampered with. This process makes the results accurate, scientifically verifiable, and legally binding. You can order the immigration test here.

The DNA lab makes arrangements

If the DNA sample has to be taken abroad, it is generally arranged by a testing lab in the UK. This lab is, of course, designated by the UK government itself. The petitioner, having made arrangements, then hands over the process completely to them.

This process is much more complex than a DNA test done in the UK. The documentation and delivery of results makes it a much lengthier process, which is prone to tampering. Hence, the chain of custody has to be ensured. However, the DNA Diagnostics Centre (DDC) has the proper experience and expertise to carry out all the testing and documentation.

The DNA diagnostics centre

The DDC requires a copy of the request for DNA evidence from the Passport Office or UK Embassy or Consulate. The key pieces of information in this letter include a file or case number and the names of individuals. It also includes the type of relationship that needs to be test (parent-child, sibling, other).

Once the office gets that written request, the DDC sends a kit to the embassy or the panel doctor. The entity that receives the kit makes arrangements for sample collection. These procedures can vary by country, depending on the embassy and consulate. Hence, the time taken to arrange for these DNA samples can also vary. This step is much less consistent than others.

The testing process

After the samples have been collected, they are sent to the testing laboratories via a courier service. After arrival, the process of testing may take 2-7 days, depending on the relation to be proved, the testing location, etc. The DDC performs all the DNA tests twice since the results are very reliable. They are also widely accepted by immigration and consular officials. This further reduces the risks of delays in the process.

Once the Ministry of Justice Immigration testing and report is complete, the immigration application proceeds. It is then in the hands of the UK officials to approve or disapprove the application. With regard to the final maternity and paternity results, DDC stands by its work and is prepared to provide documentation.

This tightly observed process ensures that the legal process goes as smoothly and quickly as possible.