If you’re a non-EU national and want to join a family member in Ireland, you may be granted immigration permission under the International Protection Act of 2015. The application for family reunification in Ireland, also known as a join-family visa, is subject to certain eligibility criteria and requirements, however. Here, we explore it in more detail.
Can I join my family with a Visa for Ireland?
Certain family members of Irish citizens are eligible for family reunification in Ireland. This includes:
- Immediate family members such as a spouse, de facto partner or child under the age of 18
- Elderly parent
Immediate family members
A join-family visa in Ireland allows a child under the age of 18, a married partner or an unmarried partner who has been in a relationship for over two years and lived together during this time to enter and stay in Ireland. All partners must be over the age of 18. Adopted children are eligible too as long as the adoption is recognised by Irish law and the child is under the age of 18. Step children are included as long as there is evidence that the child is a permanent resident of the household. Those who are over 18 and financially or socially dependent on the sponsor are considered dependent and also eligible.
Elderly parents
Family reunification in Ireland also allows someone’s elderly parents into Ireland but the eligibility criteria and application is stricter. This is because of the suspected greater need for state financial requirements. However, it is still an option.
Spouse & Partnership Visas for Ireland
As mentioned above, if your civil partner or spouse is a non-EEA citizen and wants to live in Ireland with you, they are required to apply for an appropriate spouse visa for Ireland. As well as identity documentation, your spouse or civil partner will need evidence that you’ve been living together for at least two years. Both partners need to be above the age of 18 in order to be eligible.
How do I apply for family reunification in Ireland?
In order to apply for a join-family visa in Ireland, you must write to the Family Reunification Unit, Immigration Service Delivery, Department of Justice, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, D02 XK70. In your application, you need to provide your name, personal ID number and address as well as the name, relationship to you, date of birth, nationality and current address of each member of your family.
Once the Department of Justice has received this, you’ll be sent a questionnaire which must be completed within 28 days. This will outline the list of documents that are required. A member of staff will review this and get in touch to confirm the decision of your partnership visa for Ireland or spouse visa for Ireland. If your application is approved, you’ll receive a grant letter which provides you with details of how to get documents and visas for your family, and how to register your family with immigration authorities. In the event that your application isn’t approved, you’ll receive a letter outlining why.
Can I get Irish citizenship through the programme?
Once you have a partnership visa in Ireland, applications for permission to remain with Irish citizen family members are allowed to be made to the State. Spouses, parents and non-married partners can apply using the relevant forms online. If approved, you’ll receive a letter granting the permission and instructions on how to register your permission.
How can McGinley Solicitors LLP help me with family reunification in Ireland?
From Irish citizenship and Irish immigration to permission stamps and work permits, since 1988 we’ve been helping people just like you with various immigration law cases. What’s more, our team is well-versed in the latest guidance and regulations and strives to keep our clients at the forefront of everything they do. We also stay up to date with the latest rules and news so that you don’t have to and you can trust that we’ll take care of every little thing. If you have any questions or want to know more about the process of getting a join-family visa for Ireland, why not get in touch today on 1800 998 969.
Ireland Family Reunification FAQs
Who can sponsor family members through the family reunification Ireland?
When it comes to a join-family visa in Ireland, a sponsor must be one of the following:
- An Irish citizen or other EU citizen
- A non-EU citizen legally living in Ireland via a work visa
- A foreign national living in Ireland with either a Stamp 4 or Stamp 5 permission status
- A Researcher with a Hosting Agreement
- A PhD student in an Irish accredited programme
- A Minister of Religion with Stamp 3 status
Why might the family partnership visa in Ireland be withdrawn?
There are some circumstances where the permission for family reunification in Ireland may be withdrawn. This includes:
- If the family member does not enter Ireland on the date set out
- If the individual is no longer allowed into Ireland
- If false or misleading information is provided
- If national and public interest is at risk
- If the individual no longer has a declaration as a refugee or requires protection
What are the employment conditions of the join-family visa in Ireland?
Under a spouse visa for Ireland or partnership visa for Ireland, if you’re joining a sponsor who is an Irish citizen, you’ll need Stamp 4 status. This means you can work in Ireland without an employment permit. If your sponsor has a Critical Skills Employment Permit, you are eligible to apply for the Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit, which will allow you to work in any profession. If your sponsor has a General Work Permit, or any other Irish visa or permit, you’ll be required to apply for your own work permit if you wish to work. Those who are the elderly parent of a sponsor will be provided with Stamp 0, which means they can legally be supported fully by their sponsor.