Written by: Allskillrecruitment Team Date: 26th October 2024

Introduction

If you’re working in Ireland and would like to bring your family members to join you, they will need to apply for a Join Family Visa. This visa is available for family members of individuals holding a General Employment Permit, Critical Skills Employment Permit, or other eligible residency permits in Ireland. Here is a step-by-step guide on how global applicants can apply for this visa, from completing the application online to submitting documents at the nearest visa processing center.

Step 1: Understand Eligibility and Visa Requirements

Before beginning the application process, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria:

• Sponsor Requirements: The sponsor (work permit holder in Ireland) must:
  • Hold a valid General or Critical Skills Employment Permit or other eligible permits.
  • Have sufficient income to support dependents (e.g., earning at least €30,000 annually for a spouse, with higher thresholds if children are included).
  • Provide accommodation proof in Ireland.
• Relationship: Only immediate family members, such as a spouse or children, are generally eligible for a Join Family Visa. Non-immediate family members typically require different visa types.

Step 2: Complete the Online AVATS Application

1. Access the AVATS System: Start by filling out the online application on the AVATS Online Application Portal.
2. Select the Visa Type: Choose the “D Long Stay Join Family Visa” option.
3. Complete the Form: Carefully enter all details for each family member applying (spouse, children, etc).
4. Save and Print the Visa Summary Form: Once completed, you’ll receive a Visa Summary Form. This document needs to be printed and signed, as it will be submitted along with the required supporting documents.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

Gathering the right documents is essential for a successful visa application. Here’s a checklist for both the sponsor (in Ireland) and the family member(s) applying for the visa.

For Each Family Member Applying

• Printed and Signed Visa Summary Form (from AVATS).
• Passport: Valid for at least 12 months from the planned date of arrival in Ireland.
• Passport Photos: Recent passport-sized photos according to Irish visa specifications.
• Marriage Certificate (if applicable, for a spouse) or Birth Certificate (for children).
• Proof of Health Insurance: Proof of private health insurance covering the period of stay in Ireland.

Sponsor Documents (Provided by You, the Work Permit Holder)

• Copy of Passport: Including all relevant visa stamps and residence permits.
• Irish Residence Permit (IRP) (formerly GNIB card).
• Employment Permit Copy: A valid employment permit, such as a General or Critical Skills Employment Permit.
• Proof of Income: Recent payslips, P60 (Irish tax documents), or an employment letter showing income.
• Proof of Accommodation: Lease agreement or evidence of property ownership in Ireland.
• Bank Statements: Demonstrating financial stability to support the dependents.
• Letter of Invitation: A formal letter from you inviting family members to join you in Ireland, explaining the relationship and purpose of their stay.

Ensure that all documents in a language other than English are translated into English and certified.

Step 4: Submit the Documents at the Nearest Irish Visa Processing Center

After gathering the necessary documents, applicants must submit them to the nearest Irish Visa Application Center or Irish Embassy/Consulate that processes visa applications for Ireland. Ireland has partnered with VFS Global and other consulates to collect applications in various locations worldwide. Here’s how to submit your application:

1. Locate the Nearest Visa Center:
   • Find the nearest Irish Visa Application Center or embassy by visiting the INIS website or VFS Global website for country specific locations.
   • Check if an appointment is required, as some centers may need one for document submission.
2. Submit the Visa Application:
   • Bring the Visa Summary Form and all required documents to the application center.
   • Pay the visa application fees (approximately €60 for a single entry, €100 for multiple entries), either online or at the center, depending on the location.
3. Biometrics (if required):
   • Some applicants may need to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints and photographs. Your application center or embassy will inform you if this is required.
4. Courier Option (if available):
   • In some locations, applicants may be able to mail the completed application directly to the embassy or visa center. Be sure to confirm this option on the relevant embassy or consulate’s website.

Step 5: Track the Visa Application

Once the application is submitted, applicants can track their visa status through the tracking system provided by VFS Global or the embassy handling the application. Processing times for a Join Family Visa typically range from 6 to 12 months, but this may vary based on volume and specific circumstances.

The visa processing center may request additional documents or clarification, so it’s important to monitor the application status and respond promptly if contacted.

Step 6: Receive the Visa Decision

The decision on the visa application will be communicated through the visa processing center:

• If Approved: Applicants will receive their passport with the visa stamp, allowing them to travel to Ireland and join their sponsor.
• If Denied: In cases of refusal, the applicant will receive a letter explaining the reasons. There is an option to appeal if the refusal is based on grounds that could be clarified or rectified.

Step 7: Post-Arrival Registration in Ireland

Once in Ireland, family members must complete a post-arrival registration with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) and obtain an Irish Residence Permit (IRP). This permit is essential for stays over 90 days and establishes legal residence status.

Conclusion

Applying for a Join Family Visa to Ireland is a structured process that requires careful preparation and attention to detail. By understanding the eligibility requirements, completing the AVATS online application, gathering the necessary documents, and submitting them through the appropriate channels, global applicants can successfully navigate the visa application process. Bringing family members to Ireland is a significant step towards reunification and enhancing your quality of life. Ensure you stay informed about the latest updates from the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) and consult local visa processing centers for any assistance needed.

Immigration and Visas

This article serves as a general guide to the application process for a Join Family Visa to Ireland. Visa requirements and processes may change, and individual circumstances can vary. Therefore, it is essential to consult the official Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) website or your nearest Irish Embassy or Consulate for the most current information and specific guidance tailored to your situation. The author and publisher of this article are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided herein, including the success or failure of visa applications.