Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
845. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration with respect of the Immigration Service, the factors or circumstances that have led to later applications, including those from 2025, being decided ahead of earlier applications that remain pending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34995/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra846. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration with respect of the Immigration Service, are there specific criteria or internal processes that explain why some 2024 applications have not progressed beyond Stage 2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34996/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra847. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration with respect of the Immigration Service, to confirm if there is a defined queueing system in place; if so, the way is it being applied where chronological order does not appear to be followed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34997/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 847, 845 and 846 together.
I understand the Deputy has clarified that his question related to Join Family visas.
I can advise the Deputy that my Department currently operates seven overseas Visa Offices in addition to the Visa Office in Dublin. These are located in Abuja, Beijing, London, Moscow, Ankara, Abu Dhabi and New Delhi. In addition, staff of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade process certain visa applications in Irish Embassies abroad under delegated authority from my Department.
While processing times can vary across the different Visa Offices and Irish Embassies, the majority of visas are processed within stated target times. In respect of join family visa applications, the majority receive a first instance decision within the 12 month business target.
Processing times and decisions at the Visa Offices in Dublin and overseas can be checked at the following link: www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions
It should 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.
The current processing times of applications for “join family” visas varies depending on the circumstances when the application is made. If a non-EEA national is moving to Ireland because they have been granted a Critical Skills Employment Permit, they can apply for “join family” visas at the same time as their own employment visa. When these visas are applied for together, they are processed in tandem and typically receive a first instance decision within the 10-12 week business target.
People who make a “join family” visa applications separately from the above process, and for those here on General Employment Permits, they will generally receive a first instance decision within the 12 month business target.
Applications are generally taken for processing in chronological order. However, as advised, the time required to process any individual application can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the case, the level of verification required, and the individual circumstances involved. As a result, some more recently submitted applications may receive a decision before earlier applications.
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.
