Are you considering joining your Irish spouse or civil partner in the beautiful country of Ireland? this guide provides detailed insights into Irish Spouse/Civil Partner Visas, helping you understand the requirements, application process, and key considerations. Whether you’re from a non-European economic area visa-required country or a European economic area country.
What are the Spouse/Civil Partner Visas?
It is an immigration route for non-EEA visa-required countries to go and stay with their spouse who is an Irish citizen and it is under the long-stay ‘D’ visa that allows you to live and work in Ireland without an employment permit but you need to know that being married to or being in a civil partnership with a citizen does not mean you will automatically have the right to live in the country, you will have to apply first but If you’re from an EEA country you can come without a visa but you will need to show evidence that your relationship is real at the port of entry.
Requirements
This depends on your unique circumstances and that of your partner but there are general requirements that all applicants must meet like:
- You both must be at least 18 years old.
- Your relationship must not be only based on online or telephone interactions, you must have met face-to-face on different occasions.
- provide a valid and recognized marriage or civil partnership certificate.
- Both of you must show evidence that can prove your relationship is real.
- Be committed to living together.
Joining Your Irish Citizen Spouse/Civil Partner In Ireland
If you’ve recently married an Irish citizen living in the country, you will need to apply for a long-stay ‘join the family’ visa to stay with them. Here are some key points to consider:
- The immigration officer will assess your application and consider whether your sponsor has primarily relied on Irish State benefits in the past two years.
- Your sponsor must have earned an income that is more than the State benefits and a cumulative gross income of at least €40,000 in the three years before your application.
- When you arrive in the country, you must get permission to stay for more than 90 days even if you have a long-stay D visa and pass through border control, you can only live there for more than 90 days if you complete the necessary registration process but here is what you will need:
- Your original international passport.
- Your valid marriage/civil partnership certificate.
- Proof of your shared address.
Your Irish spouse’s or partner’s original international passport.
make sure you visit the nearest Garda National Immigration Bureau Registration office with these documents to complete your registration.
Joining Your non-EEA Spouse/Civil Partner In Ireland
For couples where both of them are non-EEA nationals, the immigration status of your Irish partner influences your application, and eligibility for sponsorship is determined by your partner’s status in Ireland. They must fall into one of the following categories:
- Critical Skills Employment Permit holders.
- Investors/Entrepreneurs.
- Business Permission holders.
- Researchers.
- Students in INIS Approved Scholarship programs.
- Intra Corporate Transferees.
- PhD students under specific conditions.
- Full-time non-locum doctors.
If your partner doesn’t fall into these categories but has been in Ireland for more than 12 months, they can still sponsor your family reunification application but this sponsorship depends on if you can meet some specific income requirements to support you during your stay in Ireland.
Joining Your EU/EEA/Swiss Spouse/Civil Partner In Ireland
If your partner in Ireland is an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, you will apply for a ‘Residence Card of a Family Member of a Union Citizen.’ and this application is based on your spouse’s use of EU Treaty Rights.
The application process for this residence card takes time like approximately 12 months to complete. It involves submitting various supporting documents and forms. Once you’ve submitted all the necessary documentation and application forms, you’ll receive a letter. Depending on your circumstances, this letter may allow you to stay in Ireland while your application is being processed.
Why Has My Application Been Rejected?
It can be complex due to the level of evidence and supporting documents needed but Several things can lead to the rejection of your application, including:
- You or your partner may have a history of relevant immigration issues or criminal records.
- If you or your partner are considered a threat to public health, public security, or public policy.
- Failure to provide enough information and evidence to prove the genuineness and durability of your relationship.
- Suspicions that your marriage or civil partnership is to gain residency in Ireland.
- If your partner does not have the financial means to support you during your stay in Ireland.
In conclusion, the journey of joining your Irish spouse or civil partner in Ireland is an important life event, and understanding the visa requirements, eligibility criteria, and possible challenges is important for a successful application process. Do not forget that this guide is just to provide insights, but it’s crucial to consult with immigration experts and relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information and guidance.