Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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778. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status for review of a join family application by a person (details supplied) which was received by INIS in January 2020. [18418/20]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The join spouse visa application referred to by the Deputy was submitted to the Visa Office in Athens, Greece on 18 December 2019. The application was subsequently received by the Immigration Service in Dublin on 28 January 2020, for further processing, in accordance with the guidelines set out in the Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification.

The Policy Document contains a stated business target that visa applications to join non-EEA national family members should be dealt with within six months of receipt of application.  However, it should be noted that this is a business target and does not constitute a legal obligation. The business target reflects the detailed and often complex assessment that is required to be carried out in relation to applications for family reunification.

It is not possible to give a definitive date as to when these applications will be finalised. All applications are processed in chronological order, based on date order of receipt. While every effort is made to process applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume and complexity of applications, the possible need for the Immigration Service to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information, and the resources available.  

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the way the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) function of my Department conducts its business.  In line with advice issued by Government, HSE and the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), ISD implemented a suite of measures to help in reducing the spread of the virus. These measures included the closure of our offices in Burgh Quay and the implementation of remote working for Immigration Services staff in order to comply with social and physical distancing measures. Unfortunately, these measures have led to a reduction in processing capacity across all areas of ISD.  While delays are expected, including in the processing of family re-unification visa applications, ISD is endeavouring to keep operating to the best of its ability.

Further updates will be provided on the Immigration Service website when available, and I would encourage the Deputy to view the updates and the detailed Frequently Asked Questions document on the Immigration Service website at:

In addition, applicants can e-mail queries directly to visamail@justice.ie and may also keep up to date on Visa applications at: . 

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to 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 is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.