Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2022
674. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the progress that has been made to date in the determination of a visa application in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32233/22]
View answerThe person referred to by the Deputy created a Join Family (Non-EEA national)(spouse) visa application on 7 December 2021. The supporting documentation and relevant fees were submitted on 21 December 2021 in the Abuja Visa Office. Processing of this application is ongoing at present. The person concerned will be notified as soon as a decision has been reached by a Visa Officer.
Long Stay Join Family visa applications are processed in accordance with the guidelines set out in my Department's Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification. This policy document may be viewed at:
www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf.
As set out in the Policy Document, there is a business target that visa applications for family reunification for immediate family members of Irish citizens and Category A sponsors, such as Critical Skills Employment Permit Holders, should be dealt with within six months of application.
A 12 month target applies for applications to join Category B sponsors, such as Non Critical Skills Employment Permit Holders or Stamp 4 holders not covered by other more favourable arrangements.
The business target reflects the detailed and often complex assessment that is required to be carried out in relation to applications for family reunification. Applicants are advised not to pay for airline or other travel tickets without having first been issued with a visa.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility (inisoireachtasmail@justice.ie), which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
