In the heart of Europe is the captivating land of Ireland, known for its lush green landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. If you have family or friends residing in this enchanting country, the Short Stay Family Visa allows you to visit and create cherished memories together. In this guide, we will explore everything about the Short Stay Family Visa, shedding light on its purpose, application process, and key requirements.
What is the Short Stay Family Visa?
it is known as C-Visa and it is a special document that gives permission you to stay up to 90 days. This is a passport for you to be able to reconnect with your near and dear ones or your friends who live here and live the life of magic of Ireland on its own. It also helps for people who wish to get short-term visits but not be a part of it for the longer.
Eligibility Criteria
If you are a citizen of a country within the European Economic Area or you are from an Irish nation that does not need a visa, you do not need to apply for this visa.
For people in countries that need a visa, it is important to prove strong ties to the country because this serves as evidence of your intention to return after your trip to Ireland.
Limitations
- You can only stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days.
- If you have this visa, you cannot engage in any form of employment, whether paid or unpaid, during your visit.
- It does not allow you to benefit from publicly funded services in Ireland.
- You must have a separate visa because it is given on an individual basis.
Application Procedure
If you want to enjoy an easy application process you need to start your visa application early at least three months before the time you plan to travel. Here’s a guide on the application process:
Create an Online Visa Application through AVATS
You can use this portal to submit your visa application; it also serves as a central hub for processing.
Pay Your Application Fee
There are two categories of fees:
- €60 covers a single-entry Short Stay ‘C’ visa, which allows you to enter Ireland once. If you leave the country before your 90-day limit expires, you must reapply to enter again.
- €100: A multi-entry visa allows you to enter the country for as long as your visa remains valid but it is only granted in a few situations.
Your application office will provide detailed instructions on how to make the payment and depending on your specific circumstances, there may be additional charges like consular fees, biometrics, or document translation fees.
Submit Your Documents for Processing
After completing your AVATS application, it’s time to gather the necessary documents and submit them to the designated application office. Your application summary, generated during the online application, will contain essential information, including your visa application transaction number and the specific office where you should send your documents.
Document Checklist
The submission of accurate and complete documents is a crucial part of the application process and here is a checklist of the required documents for your Short Stay Family Visa application:
- Signed and dated application summary sheets.
- valid international passport.
- A comprehensive visa application letter outlining the purpose of your visit to Ireland, your intended entry and exit dates, your accommodation details, and information about who is sponsoring your trip (whether it’s yourself or someone else). The letter should also specify the family or friends you plan to visit and your relationship with them. Additionally, it must include a commitment to adhere to the visa regulations.
- An invitation letter from your host in Ireland, providing details about the reason for the invitation and their relationship with you. This invitation should align with the information provided in your application letter.
- Accommodation plan.
- Proof of payment for the visa fee.
- Two recent passport-sized photographs. Ensure your name, signature, and visa application tracking number are included in these photos.
- Proof of finances, If you are self-sponsoring, you must submit an up-to-date bank statement covering the last six months, along with the most recent three months’ payslips. If your trip is sponsored by someone else, they must provide the same documentation. The bank statement should be on official bank letterhead.
- You can demonstrate your intention to return home by showing ties to employment, education, property ownership, or investments/business activities.
- Proof of medical or travel insurance.
- Documentation related to any previous visa refusals, if applicable.
After Submitting Your Application
Once you’ve submitted your application, the immigration authorities will verify the completeness of your documents. In some cases, they may authenticate your international passport or other official travel documents. Additionally, they might contact relevant authorities such as the Irish Police (Garda Síochána) or international agencies like INTERPOL to gather more information about you.
Should the need arise, you may be invited to submit biometrics. The processing time for your application largely depends on the specific office handling it. If other applications are pending, we process them in the order received, which may lengthen the processing time. However, rest assured that you will receive a decision on your Short Stay ‘C’ Visa application within eight weeks of document submission.
Traveling To Ireland
It’s important to understand that going to Ireland and entering the country are different processes, while the Short Stay Family Visa allows you to visit the country, you must clear Border Control to gain entry. Immigration visa officers at the port of entry hold the authority to grant or deny entry into the country even if you have a valid visa.
At the border, you must provide several documents, including your international passport, visa, boarding card, proof of finances, accommodation plan, visa application letter, invitation letter, and medical insurance documentation.
Traveling to Ireland with a UK Visa
If you have this visa it can cover the entire duration of your stay in Ireland and you might be eligible for the Waiver Program that will exempt you from applying for an Irish visa but it is only available to residents of some specific countries and this benefit is not open to people with UK short-stay visas for transit or marriage/civil partnership. You must first enter the UK before going to Ireland and there is no minimum stay requirement to meet before entering Ireland.
In conclusion, the Short Stay Family Visa serves as a bridge that connects you to your loved ones in Ireland, enabling you to share memorable moments and create lasting bonds. While the application process may look challenging, if you prepare well and follow the requirements you will increase your chances of a successful application.
Your journey to Ireland awaits, filled with the promise of joyous reunions and unforgettable experiences. Remember to start your application well in advance, gather the necessary documents, and approach the process with confidence. With this Visa in hand, the enchanting landscapes and warm embraces of Ireland are just a flight away.
Don’t miss out on the chance to be with your loved ones in the heart of the Emerald Isle so begin your application today and you can very well be on your way to an unforgettable adventure in Ireland.