Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
777. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will review correspondence (details supplied); the status of the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14747/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that the Join Family (Non-EEA nat.)(spouse) visa application referred to was created on 20 October 2025. Supporting documentation was received in the Abuja Visa Office on 26 November 2025 where it awaits examination and processing.
My Department's business target for join family visa applications is 12 months. It must be made clear that these are business targets for the immigration service and some applications can take longer than others. The business target reflects the detailed and often complex assessment that is required to be carried out in relation to applications for family reunification.
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 order of receipt.
I can advise the Deputy that requests to expedite an existing visa application or for an emergency visa can be made through my Department's Customer Service Portal, at: [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: www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/embassies/
Emergency visa applications and requests will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis but will, wherever possible, be processed speedily and sympathetically. In order to be fair to all those who have applied, not all requests to expedite an application can be granted.
Processing times and decisions at the Overseas Visa Offices can be checked at:
www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-offices/
I am acutely aware that join family applications are very important for the people impacted. I understand that people are eager to have their families join them in Ireland, and I am committed to improving the service my Department provides.
The person concerned can now directly check the status of their visa application on the Immigration Service’s Customer Service Portal. They can register for, or log in to their existing account, at: www.portal.irishimmigration.ie/en/
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.
