Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 January 2026
452. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current average processing times for short stay 'C' visas from submission to decision; the number of applications which were made in each of the years 2023, 2024 and 2025; the number granted in each year; his plans to assign more officials to the processing of C visas to reduce processing times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5144/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra471. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current plans to reduce the delay in short visa application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5218/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra481. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of employment visas granted in each of the past ten years, broken down by country of origin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5339/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 452, 471 and 481 together.
I can advise the Deputy that there are currently seven overseas Visa Offices in addition to the Visa Office in Dublin. They are located in Abuja, Beijing, London, Moscow, Ankara, Abu Dhabi and New Delhi. In addition, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade process certain visa applications in Irish Embassies abroad under delegated sanction from my Department.
I can assure the Deputy that while processing times can vary across the different Visa Offices and Irish Embassies, the majority of visas are processed within stated target times.
I can assure the Deputy the majority of employment and short stay visas receive a first instance decision within the business target listed on my Departments website. Processing times, business targets and decisions at the Dublin Visa Office and the Overseas Visa Offices can be checked at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/.
The average processing time for a Type C short stay visa processed in 2025 was 37 days. It should be noted that this figure is calendar days and based on a 7-day week. There is no allowance made for weekends, public, bank or religious holidays in the various jurisdictions.
It should also be noted that 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.
In 2025, approximately 206,000 visa applications, of all types, were received by the Visa Division of my Department. This reflects an increase of 2% compared to 2024, with over 3,900 additional applications received. This follows a 21% increase in applications in 2024 compared to 2023. My officials are working to meet the increased level of demand, and over 8,700 additional visa decisions have issued in 2025, compared to 2024.
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 or preclearance that my Department is doing everything possible to progress these applications as quickly as possible.
Table 1 below outlines category C visa applications made and decisions issued for 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Table 2 below shows the number of employment visas granted at first instance from 2021 to 2025.
Table 3 below outlines the top five countries for employment visas granted at first instance from 2021 to 2025.
