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Visa Applications

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 May 2019

Wednesday, 15 May 2019

Questions (130)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

130. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the average length of time for visa applications and change-in-status applications; and if he is satisfied there is adequate staff in place to deal with same. [21059/19]

View answer

Written answers

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that there are many immigration pathways and application processes available to individuals lawfully present in the State who wish to reside on a longer term basis. These include student and employment type permissions and various schemes facilitating family settlement including non-EEA national family members of Irish nationals and EU nationals.

Similarly, requests for changes in conditions of residence relate to a broad range of permission categories and modes of application. In light of this, the information requested by the Deputy in relation to average processing times is not readily available and would involve a disproportionate use of resources to compile.

I am however advised that, in general, the average processing time varies depending on the application type. For example, it is open to certain applicants to attend at their local Immigration Office for the appropriate permission to reside or to request a change in the type of immigration permission held. I understand that the majority of such cases are processed on the day of application or within in a very short timeframe depending on the availability of appointments.

The Deputy will appreciate that INIS also deals with complex cases involving detailed assessment of the individual circumstances and compliance with relevant scheme criteria and various legal requirements. While every effort is made to process such written or on-line applications efficiently, processing times may vary having regard to the overall volume of applications and their complexity. I am advised that some cases may take in excess of 12 months to complete.

I can assure the Deputy that the key priorities for INIS include making the application process as streamlined as possible and delivering sound decisions to applicants under each scheme. The resources available for these activities, which includes the provision of overtime where appropriate, and the accompanying operational and organisational structures, are kept under ongoing review to ensure that applications are processed as efficiently as possible.

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