The application referred to by the Deputy was received in the Dublin Visa Office on 10th November, 2006. The decision of the Visa Officer to refuse the application was taken on 27th November, 2006. The application was refused on the grounds that it is not the general policy to permit any person, whether related or not, to join or visit any person who is in the State on a study visa. The applicant failed to demonstrate any compelling grounds as to why an exception to this policy should be made. It is open to the applicant to appeal the refusal decision. Comprehensive guidelines on making an appeal can be found on my Department's website (www.justice.ie). All appeals must be made within two months of the decision to refuse.