Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 June 2022
267. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the processing delays on the part of the Irish service providers who have been hired by students to facilitate the procurement of JI visas (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31448/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUS immigration regulation and visa operations are a matter solely for the US authorities, and my Department has no remit over the operations of the US Embassy Visa Service, or of private service providers processing J1 applications.
However, officials from my Department have contacted the named company to better understand the present situation. I understand that the company has processed the vast majority of applications that they have received for this summer's J1 programme, and that they are making significant efforts to deal with the remaining applications. I also understand that, should processing delays make it impossible for a customer to undertake their travel to the US, that refunds are provided by the company. My officials have underlined to the organisation the importance of timely processing of these applications in order to allow young Irish people the opportunity to undertake a summer working in the US, especially after recent years when this was not possible.
My Department also remains in regular communication with the US Embassy, who are working to reduce waiting times and have allocated significant additional resources to the processing of J1 visa applications. This development has resulted in a significant increase in the number being processed in recent weeks.
The J1 visa programme is a valuable part of facilitating mutually beneficial and enriching exchange between the US and Ireland, and we are keen to see participation in this programme return to pre-pandemic levels. Through the J1, thousands of young people are afforded the chance to work and travel in the US every year, forging connections and establishing valuable links between the two countries. Ease of travel is essential to protect our strong transatlantic connections, be that in business, academia, tourism or maintaining family connections.
