Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

458. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will engage with the United States Embassy in Dublin with a view of expediting the processing of J1 visa applications considering many persons are currently awaiting approval and are due to travel at the end of May 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23447/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The J1 is a valuable part of building exchange between the US and Ireland, and something which we are keen to see return to pre-pandemic levels. Through the J1, thousands of young people have the opportunity to work and travel in the US every year, building up valuable connections between the two countries. Ease of travel is essential to protect our strong transatlantic connections, be that in business, academia, tourism or maintaining family connections.

The processing of US visas is solely a matter for the US authorities, and my Department has no remit over the operations of the US Embassy Visa Service. My advice to those seeking to apply for a US visa or for a visa waiver is to get information from the website of the US Embassy in Dublin and to engage with them directly on their application.

In recent days, officials from my Department have discussed the matter with the US Embassy, who are working hard to minimise waiting times and have recently dedicated extra resources to the processing of J1 visa applications, which is expected to result in a significant increase in the number being processed in the coming days and weeks.