Many immigration applications require proof of a family
relationship. Although such relationships can often be proven
through documentary evidence, there are some circumstances in which
such evidence will not be available, or where the documents that
are available may not be accepted as genuine or sufficient by the
Home Office. The question then arises as to what alternative means
an applicant could use to demonstrate a family relationship. One
option is DNA testing evidence.
DNA evidence has previously been the subject of controversy in
the Home Office. Back in 2018, the Home Secretary apologised after
publishing a review into DNA testing. It was revealed that the Home
Office had been telling applicants that genetic testing was
mandatory for certain family visas, despite having no legal basis
to do so. Since this apology, the Home Office has provided
detailed
guidance for its caseworkers on inviting applicants to
volunteer DNA evidence. In this post, we will use
