Paul Murphy
Ceist:349. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if her Department will consider an appeal to an application (details supplied). [28630/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 2 June 2022
Ceisteanna (349)
Freagraí scríofa
The person referred to by the Deputy created an online Join Family (Irish national spouse) visa application on 3 January 2022. Supporting documentation was received in the Ankara Visa Office on 10 January 2022.
Long Stay Join Family visa applications are processed in accordance with the guidelines set out in my Department's Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification, which can be found at:
www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf.
This Policy Document contains a stated business target that visa applications for family reunification for immediate family members of Irish citizens and Category A sponsors, such as Critical Skills Employment Permit Holders, should be dealt with within 6 months of application. This is a business target rather than a legal obligation, which reflects the detailed and often complex assessment that is required to be carried out in relation to applications for family reunification.
It is not possible to give a definitive date as to when these applications will be finalised. 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 my Department to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information, and the resources available.
The Deputy can be assured that every effort is made to keep processing times to a minimum, and a number of measures have been put in place to deal with the increased demand for visas to come to Ireland. This has included the assignment of additional staff to deal with applications, and, more generally, the streamlining of visa processes, where possible.
The applicant will be notified as soon as a decision has been reached by a Visa Officer.
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 (inisoireachtasmail@justice.ie) 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.