Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 June 2023
351. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice the steps she is taking to address applicants who have been waiting longer than the expected visa decision timeframes for join spouse visa: spouse of an Irish national; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31994/23]
View answerThe Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification contains a stated business target that visa applications for family reunification for immediate family members of Irish citizens should be dealt with within 6 months of application.
However, it must be made clear that this is a business target for the immigration service and reflects the detailed and often complex assessment that is required to be carried out in relation to applications for family reunification.
While every effort is made to process applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume and complexity of applications, the possible need for the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) function of the Department to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information, and the resources available.
The staffing levels and the resources available in the Visa Division of my Department are kept under review in line with the business needs of the Division.
Long Stay Join Family visa applications are processed in accordance with the guidelines set out in the Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification. This policy document may be accessed at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf.
