Publication date: 24.08.2025
How to prove family ties for a visa: documents, DNA tests
The procedure of applying for a family reunification visa, visa processing is always associated with thorough verification and the collection of evidence. The UK visa system is one of the most demanding in the world: to obtain a family visa to the United Kingdom, it is not enough to simply submit an application. It is necessary to convincingly prove the fact of family relationships and confirm the genuine intentions of the applicant. Incomplete or incorrectly prepared documents may lead to delays in the case or even refusal. Therefore, the key task is to correctly prepare the documentation for a family visa and anticipate in advance possible questions from the immigration authorities.
Question
Which family ties must be confirmed?
Answer
For different categories of applicants, there are specific requirements. Most often, confirmation is required in the following cases: partner visa or spouse visa – proof of an official marriage or long-term relationship. Child visa – confirmation of fatherhood or motherhood, as well as the legal right to custody. Visa for dependent family members – proof of financial and social dependence on the main applicant. Family reunification visa – confirmation of blood or legally recognized family relationships in a broader sense.
Each category of visa has its own requirements and criteria for confirming family ties. For a spouse visa or partner visa, it is important to prove the reality of the relationship, for a child visa, dependent visa – legal and biological parenthood, for a dependent relative visa – financial support, and for a family reunification visa – documentary confirmation of kinship.
Documents accepted for confirmation
The most convincing evidence for immigration authorities are official documents confirming family status. These include:
- Civil status certificates – birth, marriage, adoption certificates.
- Court and guardianship authority decisions – regarding custody or guardianship rights.
- Documents of cohabitation – rental agreements, utility bills in the name of both partners.
- Bank statements and money transfers – as proof of financial support for dependent family members.
- Photographs and joint records – in cases where proof of a long-term relationship is required for a spouse visa.
DNA tests as additional evidence
Sometimes there are situations when official documentation is not sufficient:
- documents lost due to military actions or migration crises;
- birth certificates contain inaccuracies;
- a child was born out of wedlock and there is no legal confirmation of paternity.
In such cases, a DNA test is used, which confirms blood relationship with over 99% accuracy. Laboratories whose results are recognized by UK authorities must be certified, and the documents themselves must be translated into English and properly certified.
Visa application process
To ensure that the preparation for submitting a visa application goes smoothly, it is important to follow a clear sequence of steps, family visa documentation:
- Initial consultation – determination of the type of visa: partner visa, child visa, spouse visa, family reunification visa, or others.
- Analysis of immigration status – it is necessary to ensure that the family member the applicant is joining has the right to act as a sponsor in the United Kingdom.
- Preparation of evidence – collecting documents, translation, and notarization.
- Submission of application – completing the online application, uploading copies of documents, and booking a biometric appointment.
- Case consideration – immigration authorities analyze the provided evidence, and if necessary, request additional documentation or a DNA test.
- Decision – in case of a positive outcome, the applicant receives the right to enter and reside in the United Kingdom.
Adherence to the sequence of steps in the visa application process is the key to a successful outcome. Every step — from consultation and checking immigration status to correct preparation of documents and submission of the application — is of crucial importance. It is not enough to simply gather certificates: it is essential that all data is consistent, translations flawless, and the visa type correctly chosen. Mistakes at any stage may lead to delays or refusals, which is why the most reliable solution is to turn to the lawyers of the Consultant legal service, who will help go through the procedure clearly, quickly, and as safely as possible for the applicant.
Typical difficulties in proving family ties
- Lack of original documents – sometimes people only have copies or certificates that are not recognized as official.
- Contradictory data – different spellings of names in certificates or passports, raising doubts about identity.
- Incorrect translations – even a minor translation error may become a reason for refusal.
- DNA test delays – if the chosen laboratory does not meet international standards.
- Wrong visa category – applying for the wrong category, for example, submitting for a tourist visa instead of a UK family visa.
It is difficult to take into account all the nuances on your own, as immigration authorities carefully check the evidence. That is why it is advisable to contact the Consultant legal service, to avoid mistakes, immigration support, and increase your chances of a positive decision in the visa application process.
Why choose the Consultant Legal Service
Preparation for family reunification is a complex process that requires attention to detail. The Consultant legal service provides:
Comprehensive support: from consultation on choosing the correct type of visa to support during the case consideration stage.
Professional document analysis: our lawyers carefully verify the compliance of all certificates, documents, and translations.
Visa support at all stages: consultations, interview preparation, and assistance with preparing additional evidence.
Individual approach: in each case, we take into account unique circumstances – from family situations to the immigration status of the applicant.
Reduced risk of refusal: thanks to many years of experience, we know which mistakes applicants most often make and help them avoid them.
Proper confirmation of family ties is the key to successfully obtaining a visa. Whether it is a spouse visa, a partner visa, a child visa, or a dependent relative visa, each step matters. Documentation for a family visa, as well as DNA test results, often become decisive evidence in the case consideration process. By contacting the Consultant legal service, you gain confidence that your documents are prepared flawlessly, and your chances of a positive decision significantly increase. We help make the visa process clear and predictable, and most importantly – achieve the desired goal: successful family reunion visa in the United Kingdom.
