Immigration Cases - A step-by-step guide
1. Registering with NorthGene
In order to be able to arrange DNA testing you will normally need to have a UK sponsor for your case. You can register online or by calling our Customer Support Team on 0844 800 6951 or 0191 233 1414 or you can ask your solicitor, health professional (i.e. doctor) or social worker to register on your behalf. See checklist We require a deposit of £99 to be returned with the registration form unless your case is funded by legal aid.
2. Overseas Sampling Arrangements
We will contact the nearest British Embassy to ask if they are willing to take the DNA samples. If you have not registered your case with them the sample(s) will need to be taken by an approved external sampler.
When we have made contact with the British Embassy or approved sampler testing kits will be posted by courier. Upon receipt an appointment will be arranged directly with the overseas clients. Please note that it is the Embassy/approved sampler who arranges the overseas appointment and not NorthGene. We, therefore, cannot guarantee the timescale of this. Please ensure that you provide a contact telephone number for your family overseas to avoid delay to your case.
Samples will either be returned via Diplomatic Bag if taken in the Embassy (this can take up to three weeks) or by courier if taken by an approved external sampler. Courier costs will have to be met along with the sampling charge by your family overseas when attending the appointment.
3. Find a UK Approved sampler
Samples can be taken by your own GP (if they are willing) or an approved sampler in your area. Upon registration a list of approved samplers will be sent to you.
4. Arrange a DNA sampling appointment
Make an appointment to have your DNA samples taken with your chosen sampler. Please note that the sampler will charge for this service and that it will be your responsibility to pay this fee. Please verify the cost when making your appointment.
5. Advise our Customer Support Team of your appointment
You can contact us on 0844 800 6951 or 0191 233 1414 or at info@paternitytesting.co.uk. We will need to know the date of your appointment and the address where your samples will be taken. Please note that you must give us at least 5 working days advance notice of your appointment so that the necessary sampling kits can be sent out in time.
6. Providing a Sample
Everyone giving a sample will need to take three recent passport photographs and photographic identification to the appointment. On arrival you will be asked to sign a consent form and stain card to say that you are happy for a DNA sample to be taken and a test to be run. The DNA sampler will verify the photographs provided and attach them to the Identification Form. They will also take a photocopy of the ID.
The DNA sample will then be taken. All samples are taken by mouth swab. The sampler will rub a sterile, cotton bud on the inside of the mouth and transfer the collected cells to the stain card. Each disc of the stain card should turn white. The sample(s) will be returned to us in a tamper-evident bag by the sampler.
7. Test undertaken
Once all samples have been received we will require the second instalment of our invoice. Upon receipt of payment our lab will proceed with DNA testing. Processing time depends upon the type of test being undertaken but is normally 10 working days from receipt of samples in our lab.
8. Report Issued
Once we receive the lab's analysis the final instalment of our invoice will be required. Upon receipt of full payment we will send the report to you, your solicitor (if you have one) and, if you wish, the appropriate British Embassy or Home Office Department .
Please note: the report will only be sent to the UK sponsor being tested and their nominated solicitor. If you wish us to send a copy of the report to the British Embassy you will need to complete and sign the relevant section of the registration form.
How are the samples taken?
DNA samples are taken by gently rubbing a swab on the inside of the mouth in order to collect cheek cells. This is a quick and painless procedure.
When giving a DNA sample each person being tested will need to provide 3 passport-sized photographs and photographic ID such as a passport or driving license.
Please note: that samples will not be taken if these forms of identification are not provided.
You will also be asked to sign a consent form stating that you are happy for DNA testing to take place. In the case of children under the age of 16 their legal guardian will be asked to sign a consent form on their behalf.
How long does the test take?
Immigration cases can be more complex than standard paternity testing so it takes longer for our labs to process the results. Once all samples have been received by our labs at LGC Teddington, the analysis takes approximately 10 working days to complete.
Occasionally it may be necessary to run a part of the scientific process again, in such cases clients may need to wait a little longer to receive their reports.
During the process you can access our online tracking system or contact our Customer Support team to find out how your case is progressing.
Our team always makes every effort to ensure that results are sent out to clients as soon as they are available.