Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

223. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of visa applications by persons (details supplied) who have received work permits from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. [47645/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I can advise the Deputy that my officials have conducted a search of the AVATS visa application system for records of any visa applications associated with the passport numbers provided.  

An employment visa application was created, using the first passport number, on the 20 August 2022. Supporting documentation was received on the 8 of September 2022 and the application awaits examination.

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. 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 Dublin visa office are currently processing applications of this type received, in the Dublin office, on the 26 July 2022. Processing times and decisions at the Dublin Visa Office can be checked at the following link which is updated each Tuesday:

www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/.

Applicants are advised not to pay for airline or other travel tickets without having first been issued with a visa. This applicant will be notified as soon as a decision has been reached by a Visa Officer.

It should be noted that the granting of a work permit by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) has no bearing on whether a visa will be subsequently granted. There are two very distinct application processes with different checks and procedures in place in each respective Department.

In relation to the other passport numbers submitted, my officials have confirmed that visa applications were approved for the individuals holding the passports concerned on 1 October 2021 and 8 November 2021 respectively.

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 (inisoireachtasmail@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 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.