Irish Family Visas From Canada

Visa applicants will need to submit a portfolio of supporting documents as proof to verify their claim for the family visa.

Requirements may include the following documents:

• A certified and notarized statement of your reasons for moving to Ireland
• Contact details of your Irish citizen sponsor/ family member
• Your passport and prior passports
• Proof of private medical insurance
• A copy of your sponsor/Irish partner or family member’s Irish citizenship, passport, and residency
• A marriage certificate or certificate of civil partnership if applicable
• Proof of your genuine relationship with your family member
• Copies of the 6 most recent months of bank statements from both the applicant and the sponsor.
• Proof of income for the applicant and sponsor. Acceptable financial evidence includes paystubs from a job or bank statements and tax forms if you are self-employed.
• Proof that you have paid the visa application fee

Original documents will be returned to you by mail to the address you provide. Photocopies will be kept by the Irish visa office.

Certified translated copies are required for all documents that are not originally in English or Irish. In order to obtain a certified copy, you will have to locate a qualified third party such as a solicitor or barrister.

It is important that you submit all required documentation along with your visa application. This is what the Irish immigration officer will use to make a decision on your family visa application. The most common reason for visa applications to be rejected is inaccurate or incomplete documentation or applications. During the application process, you may be asked to submit additional evidence. You must submit all requested documents by the date given.

Most non-EEA nationals require a visa to enter Ireland. As a Canadian citizen, you may enter Ireland without a visa for up to 90 days. At border control, an immigration officer will issue you a landing stamp after reviewing your documents and reason for entering the country.

Keep in mind that you are not automatically guaranteed entry to Ireland. If you are not issued a landing stamp when you arrive, you must leave Ireland immediately. If you intend to stay longer than 90 days, you can apply for the Long Stay Join Family Visa with the Irish Immigration Service Delivery. The visa application process is as follows:

• Fill out the visa application online at the government website
• Pay the visa application fee
• Submit all required documents
• Wait for your evidence to be reviewed by the visa office. Family visa decisions are made by the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs in the chronological order they are received
• Once you enter Ireland, you will need to apply for permission to remain from a local immigration office when staying beyond 90 days

If your visa application is approved, you must register your details with the local immigration office before your landing stamp expires. Immigration permission can be applied for in-person at the registration office in Dublin or the Garda National Immigration Bureau. Once you receive your Irish residence card, put it somewhere safe and carry it with you as you may be asked to show this to immigration control.

If your application is denied, you will receive a letter stating the reason for the decision. In many cases, you will be able to apply again, or you may be able to appeal the decision.

Because the application process can be lengthy, it is recommended to apply for the visa up to three months prior to your planned date of travel.

Approximate application fees for the long stay ‘D’ visa in Canadian dollars are:

• Single entry visa fee is 102 CAD.
• Multiple entry visa fee: 171 CAD.
• Transit visa fee is 42 CAD.

The Irish Residence Permit is about 413 Canadian dollars.

A small additional fee may be charged for the return of your original documents by mail. You may also incur additional fees for other services, such as translating documents.

• Family members of Irish citizens should plan to receive their visas up to six months after submitting all documentation.
• Family members of non-EU/EEA nationals should expect to receive their visa from six to twelve months after submitting all documentation.

There is no exact timeline given for the processing of family visa applications. Visa applications are processed in chronological order, or in the order in which they are submitted. Fortunately, you do not have to wait to leave Canada if you need to be in Ireland by a specific date. Canadians are permitted to visit Ireland for up to 90 days without a family visa. It is recommended to plan ahead when applying for this visa.