Family Reunification

To be joined by a family member in Ireland is of huge significance to our clients. We have a huge portfolio of successful cases in nearly all scenarios.

If a member of your family is seeking to join you in Ireland the following information may help you to determine if your situation may be suitable to apply for Reunification.

Irish Citizens

An Irish Citizen does not have an automatic entitlement to family reunification. To be joined by an immediate or dependent family member they will usually need to satisfy a decision maker in the Department of Justice as to the identity of the person applied for; their relationship and that they can support that person in Ireland without becoming a burden on public resources. Applications are determined at the discretion of the Minister for Justice.

If the family member is abroad a ‘d’ type visa needs to be applied for in the nearest Embassy and if in Ireland an application can be filed to relevant section of the INIS.

Legal Residents in Ireland

Certain categories of legal residents in Ireland may be joined immediately by their spouse and children i.e researchers, immigrant investors and holders of critical skill employment permits holders.

Other legal residents such as holders of general employment permits or persons with humanitarian leave to remain must observe a waiting period of at least 1 year before they are eligible to apply to be joined by their families.

The income threshold which must be met in order to be eligible to apply varies depending on the type of permission to remain held. If family member is abroad a ‘d’ type visa needs to be applied for in the nearest Embassy and if in Ireland an application can be filed to relevant section of the INIS.

Recognised refugees and holders of subsidiary protections

Recognised refugees have a statutory entitlement of be reunified with their immediate family members, section 18 (3) of the Refugee Act 1996 and may apply for a ‘dependent’ family member, section 18(4) of the Refugee Act 1996. These applications have been the subject of a large number of High Court challenges. Holders of subsidiary protection have a similar entitlement to be reunited with their family members under EU law.

We can assist with preparing the application, advising on the necessary supporting documents and the requirements of the Department of Justice and Equality.