Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
850. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the reason there is not a visa specifically for Irish citizens returning to Ireland with a spouse or child, given that they currently have to apply for a join spouse visa even if they will be travelling to Ireland together; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36460/23]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that that not all nationalities are visa required to travel to the State. Any person that is unsure as to whether they require a visa/preclearance to enter Ireland can check according to nationality on the list at the following link:
www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Immigration-Service-Delivery-Visa-and-Non-Visa-Required-Countries.pdf
The civil status of the person intending to travel, or the nationality of any relative/sponsor the applicant may have in the State has no bearing on their requirement to obtain a visa. The requirement to obtain a visa is based solely on the country that issued their passport or travel document.
Currently, there is a separate category of visa for family members of Irish Citizens (Join Family Category A sponsor), which would apply to all Irish Citizens wishing to be joined by visa required spouses and/or children.
Any visa required national that wishes to enter the State, and remain, for up to 90 days must have a Type C Short Stay Visa. A visa required national that wishes to reside in the State for longer than 90 days must have a Type D Long Stay Visa. Any person that wishes to make an application for a visa must do so online at:
www.visas.inis.gov.ie/avats/OnlineHome.aspx
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, which is currently under review, may be accessed at the following link:
www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf
