Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
891. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice the current processing time for joint family visas for family of Irish nationals; the reason for a recent reduction in processing time; and what measures are in place to address this. [37039/23]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that Join Family visas are currently processed in one of seven overseas Visa Offices in addition to the Visa Office in Dublin. They are located in Abuja, Beijing, London, Moscow, Ankara, Abu Dhabi and New Delhi.
The Dublin Visa Office are currently processing Join Family visas for Category A sponsors, such as Irish citizens, received in the Dublin office on 16 September 2022.
Processing times and decisions at the Dublin Visa Office can be checked at the following link which is updated each Tuesday:
www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/
Processing times and decisions at the Overseas Visa Offices can be checked at the following link:
www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-offices/
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
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.
