020 3551 1493
- Drug and Alcohol
Court approved hair, nail, blood drug and alcohol testing - Maternity and Paternity
Ministry of Justice approved legal DNA testing - Wider Relationships
Understanding second and third degree familial connections - Immigration
Home Office approved testing for visas and passports - Expert Services
Court standard expert witness reporting - International DNA Collection
Home Office approved DNA collection from overseas
UK Work Visa Requirements: When Is a Legal DNA Test Needed?
If you’re applying to work in the UK, you might be wondering whether a Legal DNA Test is required as part of your visa application. The short answer is: not usually — unless you’re proving a family relationship.
Let’s break it down.
What’s Changed in 2025?
The UK government’s May 2025 immigration white paper introduced sweeping changes to the visa and settlement process. Some of the key updates include:
-
Raising the salary and qualification threshold for Skilled Worker visas
-
Extending the settlement period from 5 to 10 years
-
Tightening family visa rules, especially for dependants
-
Closing the care worker route for new applicants
These changes are designed to reduce overall migration, which means applicants now face more scrutiny — especially when bringing family members with them.
When Would You Need a DNA Test?
You don’t need a DNA test to apply for a work visa (e.g. Skilled Worker visa). However, you might need one if:
-
You’re bringing a child, parent, or sibling and can’t provide official documents
-
Your application is flagged for incomplete or questionable paperwork
-
You’re reuniting with a family member already in the UK who is sponsoring you
-
You're applying for British citizenship or passport support for a family member
In those cases, a DNA test can serve as reliable, voluntary evidence to support your claim.
What Kind of DNA Test Is Accepted?
The UK Home Office will only accept DNA results if:
-
The test is done through a UKAS-accredited laboratory
-
There’s a chain of custody, meaning identities are verified and witnessed
-
Written consent is obtained from all participants
-
The report clearly identifies the relationship (e.g. paternity, full sibling)
Non-legal DNA tests won’t be accepted for immigration purposes. If you’re looking to proof a relationship beyond parent-sibling, we recommend testing for 600 markers to ensure that there is no question of accuracy in a court of law.
Can DNA Speed Up My Visa Application?
Not always — but it can prevent delays if your documentation is unclear or disputed. If you know your application might be complicated, DNA evidence can reduce the risk of rejection and streamline the decision process.
Common Situations That May Require DNA Testing
Scenario |
Is DNA Testing Required? |
| Applying with adopted/legal child | If no birth certificate |
| Reuniting with a biological parent in UK | If unclear documents |
| Applying for citizenship with parent in UK | Often recommended |
| Applying from Bangladesh or Ghana | Frequently used if records are missing |
| Skilled Worker visa | No |
What If I’ve Already Applied?
If the Home Office has contacted you requesting additional evidence of a relationship, you may be advised to get a DNA test.
In these cases, time is critical — choose a provider who offers fast results and embassy coordination if needed. You can request a quote for a Legal DNA Test here.
Need DNA testing to support your immigration or work-related visa? We provide UKAS-accredited DNA tests accepted by the Home Office, with fast turnaround and global coverage. Get in touch to discuss your case.