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Step-by-step family reunification guide for Nigerian workers moving to Ireland with a valid work visa |
Are you a Nigerian professional considering a move to Ireland for work? One of the most important and common questions you may have is:
“Can I bring my spouse and children with me to Ireland on a work visa?”
The good news is — yes, you can. Ireland’s immigration policy provides a path for family reunification, but your eligibility and process depend on the type of work permit you hold. This comprehensive guide walks you through the exact steps, visa requirements, and documents you’ll need to successfully bring your loved ones to Ireland.
Who Can Bring Family Members to Ireland?
There are two types of work permits that affect your ability to reunite with family:
🔹 Critical Skills Employment Permit
If you are moving to Ireland with a Critical Skills Employment Permit, you are in a more advantageous position. You are generally allowed to bring your immediate family members – your spouse or partner and your dependent children – with you immediately upon your arrival in Ireland. This permit is designed to attract highly skilled individuals, and family reunification is facilitated to encourage their relocation.
🔹 General Employment Permit
For those on a General Employment Permit, the rules are stricter. You must first live and work legally in Ireland for 12 months before you can apply for family reunification. Additionally, you will need to demonstrate financial stability to support your family during their stay. This waiting period ensures your successful integration into the Irish workforce and society before extending the invitation to your family.
What Visa Type Do Your Family Members Need?
Spouse or Partner: Your spouse or partner will typically need to apply for a Join Family Member Visa, also known as a D Visa. This is a long-term visa that allows them to reside in Ireland. Upon their arrival, if they wish to work, they may also apply for a Dependent/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit, granting them legal access to the Irish labour market.
Children: Your dependent children will also require a Join Family Visa. For children, you must provide birth certificates and other legal proof demonstrating their dependency on you. This typically applies to children under 18, though exceptions may exist for older dependent children in full-time education.
Required Documents for Family Reunification
Gathering the correct documents is critical to avoid delays or refusals. Here’s a comprehensive list of what you will typically need to submit:
- Your valid Irish Residence Permit (IRP).
- Your job contract, recent pay slips, and your job offer letter.
- Proof of your accommodation in Ireland (e.g., tenancy agreement, utility bills).
- Your marriage certificate or official proof of your relationship (for spouses/partners).
- Birth certificates for each child.
- Valid passports for all family members.
- Bank statements to clearly demonstrate your financial capacity to support your dependents.
✅ Important Note: Ensure all documents are clear, official, and translated into English by a certified translator if they are not originally in English.
When Can You Apply for Family Reunification?
- Critical Skills Permit: You can apply immediately after arrival in Ireland.
- General Employment Permit: You must wait 12 months before applying.
How the Application Process Works (Step-by-Step)
The application process for family reunification in Ireland follows a structured approach:
- Online Application: Start by applying online using the AVATS portal (Irish Visa Application Tracking System). You will need to fill in a Join Family Visa application for each dependent family member.
- Document Upload & Fee Payment: Upload all the required documents as specified, and pay the non-refundable visa application fee.
- Biometric Appointment: Book a biometric appointment at the Irish Visa Office in Nigeria (or the relevant visa application centre in your country of residence).
- Processing Time: Processing times can vary, typically taking a few weeks to several months, depending on the visa type (Critical Skills vs. General Employment Permit routes) and the quality/completeness of your submitted documents.
Once approved, your spouse and children can join you in Ireland, ready to embark on their new life journey together.
Always check the official Irish immigration website before applying to ensure you have the latest guidelines. Mistakes or outdated information can lead to visa rejection or delays
FAQs:
Q1: Can I bring my family to Ireland on a General Employment Permit?
A: Yes, but you must live and work in Ireland for 12 months and show financial stability before applying for family reunification.
Q2: What is a Join Family Member Visa?
A: It's a D visa allowing your spouse, partner, or children to join and live with you in Ireland.
Q3: Can my spouse work in Ireland once they arrive?
A: Yes. After arriving on a Join Family Visa, they can apply for a Dependent Spouse/Partner Employment Permit.
Q4: What documents are needed for the family visa?
A: IRP, job offer letter, pay slips, proof of relationship, accommodation, bank statements, valid passports, and birth certificates.
Q5: How long does the family reunification visa process take?
A: Processing times vary. It can take a few weeks to several months, depending on the visa type and document quality
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