Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 February 2026
758. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his attention has been drawn to the visa application by a family (details supplied); if the specific circumstances can be taken into consideration as the process progresses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7587/26]
View answer759. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the timeline for the progress of a family visa application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7588/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 758 and 759 together.
I can advise the Deputy that the Join Family (Non-EEA nat.)(other) visa application referred to was created on 13 December 2025. Supporting documentation was received in the New Delhi Visa Office on 19 December 2025 where it awaits examination and processing.
I am acutely aware that join family applications are very important for those impacted and I understand that people are eager to have their families join them in Ireland.
My Department's business target for join family visa applications is 12 months. It must be made clear that this is a business target for the immigration service and some applications can take longer than others. While processing times can vary across the different Visa Offices and Irish Embassies, the majority of visas are processed within stated target times. However, some applications can take considerably longer. Processing times for all applications are influenced by a number of factors. The time it can take varies depending on the type and complexity of application; individual circumstances; peak application periods; such as holidays or the start of the school year; and, crucially, the quality and completeness of the application lodged. Verifying an application is an important part of our immigration system and the checks involved can take time to complete.
Processing times and decisions at the Dublin Visa Office and the Overseas Visa Offices can be checked at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/ .
While I acknowledge the personal difficulties an applicant might be experiencing; it is not possible to give a definitive date as to when this application will be finalised. All applications are processed in chronological order, based on date of receipt.
I can further advise the Deputy that requests to expedite an application or for an emergency visa can be made through my Department's Customer Service Portal. Applicants can also use this portal to check the status of their visa application by registering for, or logging into, their account, at: www.portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/ .
Expediting a visa application is usually confined to time-sensitive instances, such as, if a family member has been hospitalised, in a life-threatening situation, or in the unfortunate event of a bereavement. Each request is considered on its merits; the person concerned should also engage with the relevant Embassy of Ireland, explaining the nature of the emergency and provide any documentary evidence that may be available to them. A full list of Irish embassies is available at the following link: www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/embassies/ .
Emergency visa applications and requests are dealt with on a case-by-case basis and are, where possible, processed as speedily and sympathetically as circumstances allow. However, in order to be fair to all those who have applied, not all requests to expedite an application can be granted.
I understand that extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants, and I want to assure anyone who has made an application for a visa that my Department is doing everything possible to progress these applications as quickly as possible.
As an Oireachtas member, you can also request the status of individual immigration cases by e-mail, using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@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 Question process.
