Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 November 2020
713. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice when visas will issue in the case of persons (details supplied); if the applications will be concluded in the near future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38029/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe applicants referred to by the Deputy created on-line applications for Long Stay Join Family (Irish National sponsor) visas on 28 May 2020. Upon creating on-line visa applications, the summary sheet must be printed and signed by the applicant and then submitted to the relevant Visa Office, along with supporting documentation and the relevant fee. Only upon receipt of the necessary documentation and fee, can the visa application be processed further.
The supporting documentation and payments for the application referred to were received in the relevant Visa Office on 18 September 2020 and the application is awaiting comprehensive examination at this time. The Visa Office has advised there will be no avoidable delay in having the processing of this application brought to finality and the applicants will be notified as soon as a decision has been reached by a Visa Officer.
In accordance with the provisions under Point 21.1 of the Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification, processing of family reunification visa applications for family members of Irish Nationals may take 6-12 months (approximately) to determine from the date they are received in the relevant visa office. This time-frame acts as a guideline only. All applications are processed in chronological order, based on date order of receipt. 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 to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information, and the resources available.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
