Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 March 2018
375. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason the automated visa application and tracking system, AVATS, online application form for a join family visa on the INIS website asks applicants to enter a reference number issued by his Department in view of the fact that such numbers are no longer issued. [12931/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that AVATS (Automated Visa Application and Tracking System) is an example of the successful use of information technology in assisting the making of visa applications and the processing of those applications.
Over 125,000 visa applications were made using AVATS in 2017. The system requires applicants to provide certain information to enable a visa officer to make decisions on applications. While some of the information is mandatory, other information is non-mandatory and this is indicated on the online form.
In relation to the use of reference numbers, the format of the number requested on the online form is still in use for older files. This information is non-mandatory and the applicant does not need to provide any response to that question if the information is not applicable to them. INIS also provides a dedicated email address (avatsqueries@justice.ie) to assist with any queries on completing the online application form.
INIS reviews online application procedures on a regular basis and the continued inclusion of this field will be considered in this context.
