Cellmark has been the only company contracted to provide DNA relationship testing for the UK Border Agency.
Our results are accepted as proof of a relationship by many national government immigration departments.
We also undertake a large number of DNA relationship tests for private customers who require evidence of relationship to support their immigration and visa applications, or as part of an appeal against a decision.
Do I need a DNA test for Immigration?
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's website is the best place to start as they offer help and assistance relating to passport applications, citizenship and obtainnig visas.
If you subsequently require DNA testing please contact our Customer Services - telephone: 1890 987 886 or by email: info@cellmark.ie. They will be able to register your case.
What relationships can you identify?
DNA testing can conclusively identify parent/child relationships and is helpful in identifying close relationships such as aunt or uncle/niece or nephew, grandparent/grandchild, or brother/sister. DNA testing may also provide useful information to assess half-brother/sister relationships. Our highly trained staff will discuss each case with you to ensure that the most appropriate "known" relatives are tested and that the best DNA technology is used, to achieve the most conclusive result.
How do you collect a DNA sample?
We use a simple, painless, mouth swab collection system. The swab is rubbed gently, but firmly, around the inside of your mouth to collect a sample of cheek cells.
What do I need to take to the sampling appointment?
Check with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade first but our normal procedures require that you take 2 passport-sized photographs of each person to be tested to the sampling appointment. The sampler must sign these photographs, providing evidence that they are a true likeness of the person who has given the sample. We also require you to take Government-issued identification, such as a passport or Home Office Travel Document, and a photocopy of this ID to the sampling appointment. The photocopy of this ID document will be forwarded to our office along with the sample forms consenting to the DNA test and the photographs.
Once we've received all the samples in the case at our UK laboratories, if they arrive before 10am we can normally make the report available to you by the end of the next working day. That said the process including arranging for the samples to be collected and sent back to our lab here in the UK can add extra time - we now offer a courier service to speed things up - contact our customer services team for further details.
We will produce a report using the DNA samples we have tested which will detail the most likely relationship between the individuals tested, and contain statistics to support this. To ensure the most conclusive result, it is important that the closest relatives are tested. Whenever possible both parents should be tested. Download our guide by clicking on this link.
We will send a copy of the report to those parties listed on the Report Distribution section of the registration form. No one will receive a copy of the results unless they are listed on this form. If you require a copy of the report to be sent to the relevant High Commission/Embassy, you must include those details.
Will the Home Office/Immigration Authorities accept my results?
Cellmark produces results which have been accepted as evidence of claimed relationships by UK Courts of Law since 1987, but we cannot guarantee that an application made to the Embassy will be accepted.
Is your service available in other languages?
Members of our staff speak a range of languages in addition to English, such as Urdu, Hindi, Cantonese, French, and many other Asian, African and European languages. When contacting our Customer Services Department, please state which language you prefer to speak and we will do our best to find someone to assist you.
Call Cellmark on 1890 987 886 for confidential advice.
Cellmark has been providing an approved DNA testing for Immigration service for almost 30 years!
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