Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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576. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of join family (spouse of Irish citizen and category B) visa applications received by her Department in 2021, 2022 and 2023, broken down by the number of applications still awaiting a response, and nationality of applicants. [42989/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I can advise the Deputy that over 123,000 visa applications were received in the first seven months of 2024. This reflects an increase of 20%, compared to the same period in 2023, with over 21,000 additional applications received.

The vast majority of visa applications are determined in a matter of weeks. However, some applications, in particular those to join family members here, can take considerably longer. I understand that extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants. I want to assure anyone who has an application for a join family visa that my Department is doing everything possible to progress applications as quickly as possible.

It is important to recall these applications are screening processes, designed to establish that the person has a legitimate reason to come to Ireland prior to travel. Verifying an application is an important part of our immigration system and the checks involved can take time to complete.

Processing times for these applications are influenced by a number of factors. The time it can take varies depending on the type and complexity of application; individual circumstances; and, crucially, the quality and completeness of the application lodged.

I am acutely aware join family applications, are very important for the persons impacted and I am committed to improving the service my Department provides. In recent weeks, I have assigned additional resources and staff to my Department’s visa division which will I expect will reduce the waiting times for family applications in the coming months.

The tables below outline the number of Join Family visa applications for spouses of Irish nationals and Join Family visa applications for spouses of Non-EEA nationals received by my Department in 2021, 2022 and 2023, the number of applications still awaiting a decision, and the top thirteen nationalities of applicants for these visa types.

Please note that data regarding Join Family visa applications for spouses of Non-EEA Nationals is not collated in a manner which distinguishes between Category A and Category B sponsors detailed in my Department's Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification. The below figures do not include applications made by spouses of UK nationals.

Table one: Number of Join Family spouse of Irish national and Join Family spouse of Non-EEA national visa applications received in 2021, 2022, and 2023 :

*Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.

Table two: Number of Join Family spouse of Irish national and Join Family spouse of Non-EEA national visa applications received in 2021, 2022, and 2023, which are awaiting a decision as of 18 October 2024:

*Please note, figures are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.

Table three: Top thirteen nationalities of applicants for Join Family Spouse of Irish national visas in 2021, 2022, and 2023:

Table four: Top thirteen nationalities of applicants for Join Family spouse of Non-EEA national visas in 2021, 2022, and 2023: