Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I can advise the Deputy that the applications referred to were created on the 26 April 2023. Supporting documentation was received in Dublin Visa Office on the 9 May 2023 where they await examination and processing.

Long Stay Join Family visa applications are processed in accordance with the guidelines set out in the Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification. This policy document may be accessed at the following link:

www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf.

This Policy Document contains a stated business target that visa applications for family reunification for immediate family members of Irish citizens and Category A sponsors, such as Critical Skills Employment Permit Holders, should be dealt with within 6 months of application.

However, it must be made clear that these are business targets for the immigration service. 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 Delivery (ISD) function of the Department to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information, and the resources available.

The applicants will be notified as soon as a decision has been reached by a Visa Officer.

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/

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.

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The visa application referred to by the Deputy was refused by the Visa Office in Abu Dhabi. The reasons for this decision was set out in the refusal letter sent to the applicant on 6 October 2022. An appeal of this decision was received on 6 December 2022.

All visa applicants are advised that the onus is on them to provide as much information in support of their application as they feel is necessary. Guidelines in this regard are posted on our website. Applicants that meticulously follow these guidelines have an improved prospect of receiving a positive decision at first instance.

Processing times and decisions at the Overseas Visa Offices can be checked at the following link:

www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-offices/.

Processing times can change during the year, for example before holiday periods or for study applications prior to a new college year.

A decision will be issued to the applicants as soon as full consideration has been given by a Visa Appeals Officer.

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.

Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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531. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality for an update on the processing of an application (details supplied); and the current average processing time for applications of this nature. [54702/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The application for an Extension of Student Conditions (ESTC) permission from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department.

To be fair to all applicants, applications are dealt with in chronological order by date received. My Department endeavours to process applications as quickly as possible. However, processing times may vary due to a number of factors, such as the number of applications on hand, individual circumstances, the complexity of applications, whether further information is required, and the resources available.

There has been a significant increase in recent months for people seeking an Extension of Student Conditions (ESTC). These are being dealt with as expeditiously as possible but it is only in exceptional circumstances that such an application will be considered.

In the meantime, the person concerned should continue to search for meaningful graduate level employment. Once successful, their employer should then apply for an employment permit through the Department of Enterprise, Trade or Employment.

Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by email 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 email service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.