Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent)
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87. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on the join family D visa application process; the criteria that must be met (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3861/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that full details on the documentation required for a “Join Family” Visa, including the Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification, are available on the INIS website www.inis.gov.ie.

The Policy Document provides a comprehensive statement of national immigration policy in the area of family reunification.  It should be noted that financial capacity is just one of the conditions considered when making a determination on a family reunification application and the circumstances of the parties concerned are considered in the round on a case by case basis. 

It should be borne in mind, however, that the information contained on the website is intended to act as guidance only; it does not limit the discretion of the Visa Officer in dealing with individual applications. Therefore, all information that the applicant wishes to have taken into consideration should be included with a visa application. Additional clarification may be provided by the Visa Offices abroad including advising of additional documentation to demonstrate that the applicant/sponsor meets specific criteria.

If a person fails to demonstrate they meet the criteria for a “Join Family” visa then this may result in a negative decision on that application once it has been processed.

The policy of the Moscow Visa Office is to provide guidance to applicants and accept all applications due to be sent to their Office for processing. In the absence of the details of an individual aplication it is not possible to establish the events in relation to that individual.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility 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 Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited. 

In addition, applicants may themselves e-mail queries directly to visamail@justice.ie.