Ireland De-Facto Visa

erinice89 · 24-01-2017 8:33pm

Hey Tamean,

what did you supply as evidence? how is the appeal process?

We did not submit any utility bills as the bills were in her name, i was not on it.

We are renting our own apartment and staying together now. we did mention that we are renting and staying together by ourselves.

It didnt come to us that we needed to submit the lease too.

Other than that we have everything.

couldnt they have just rejected you without dragging it for 5 months?

erinice89 · 24-01-2017 9:55pm

Hey Tamean,

if you had receipts for the wedding rings and engagement ring wont it be very good evidence now ? wow thats very bad form now, i do hope your appeal goes through.

the more I dig through this forum the more worried i get

erinice89 · 25-01-2017 12:29pm

what are the odds that they will ask us to furnish extra evidence? or is that the rejection and then appeal?

If we had extra evidence to furnish and add on to our existing application, can we still send that in ?

Tader456 · 08-02-2017 7:18am

Hi All, my partner and I had our application denied on the basis we're living at my parents temporary. We have appealed but we're waiting since November 23Rd. Just wondering how other people are progressing or not? Did the media appeal go ahead? I think I'll try email them today but I'm I won't get my hopes up!

erinice89 · 11-02-2017 11:22am

Hello all,

just an update. i submitted my application and received the status number. i did not tell them that I have not stayed together for 2 years due to my parents falling apart and me having to take care of my mum. will submit more documents and see how it goes

n7483 · 16-02-2017 4:50pm

Hi erinice89,

Hi,

You should look at the list of evidence listed in the INIS website. You are missing very important documents, like passports, medical insurance, bank statements for the past 6 months (even if separate), proof of joint address for the past 2 years, and if you are not living in Ireland, you should also include reasons on why to move here and what would you be doing.

The two main things that they look at are that the relationship is real, and that you won't be a burden to the State in any way.

They can reject the application straightaway if something is extremely wrong with it, but they might also just keep it for months and then reject it, or ask for more documents.

erinice89 · 16-02-2017 5:05pm

n7483 wrote: »

Hi erinice89,

Hi,

You should look at the list of evidence listed in the INIS website. You are missing very important documents, like passports, medical insurance, bank statements for the past 6 months (even if separate), proof of joint address for the past 2 years, and if you are not living in Ireland, you should also include reasons on why to move here and what would you be doing.

The two main things that they look at are that the relationship is real, and that you won't be a burden to the State in any way.

They can reject the application straightaway if something is extremely wrong with it, but they might also just keep it for months and then reject it, or ask for more documents.

I have submitted all the above mentioned for them. Bank statement wise I took a screen shot of my online bank statement to show them of my savings at the moment which is more than enough for me to not be a burden. The only thing I can prove is the joint address/staying togerher.

Insurance everything else has been submitted

really need lots of luck now

Kakashka_1 · 24-02-2017 1:40am

Hi guys,

Just a quick question what happens at the appointment after De Facto confirmation?
I know my partner has to be there, I need the letter itself and insurance

Is it more like interview or just simple paperwork check and passport stamping?

Thanks

caitcakes · 06-03-2017 1:27pm

Hello,

I am American and my Irish partner of 4+ years have submitted an application for a De Facto Partnership visa on February 1, 2017. Since I am American I can only stay for 90 days which are coming to a close. Do I need to book a flight home or can I stay in Ireland while I'm waiting? Is there a way to get an extension? I travel frequently and do not want to have anything affect future travels nor my current application. I received a letter already acknowledging its receipt as well as a second asking for an affadavit from my partner's parents stating that our relationship is genuine and that we are residing at his home while we await a decision. I just don't want to leave my partner if I don't have to as I'd have to return home for another 90 days before I can reenter. Please advise. I'd appreciate any and all advice and past experiences!

ElChe32 · 06-03-2017 1:38pm

caitcakes wrote: »

Hello,

I am American and my Irish partner of 4+ years have submitted an application for a De Facto Partnership visa on February 1, 2017. Since I am American I can only stay for 90 days which are coming to a close. Do I need to book a flight home or can I stay in Ireland while I'm waiting? Is there a way to get an extension? I travel frequently and do not want to have anything affect future travels nor my current application. I received a letter already acknowledging its receipt as well as a second asking for an affadavit from my partner's parents stating that our relationship is genuine and that we are residing at his home while we await a decision. I just don't want to leave my partner if I don't have to as I'd have to return home for another 90 days before I can reenter. Please advise. I'd appreciate any and all advice and past experiences!

If you are based in Dublin it'd be no harm to go into the GNIB and clarify things at the front desk..although I've received conflicting info from them before. My gf's student visa runs out in the end of May and our application has been in since the end of January - I've asked two different people down at the GNIB and one told me not to worry, as long as I have the letter showing that the application is in then my gf can stay till the decision is made...the other grumpy fecker told me she'd have to leave and reenter.
We are sticking with the first bit of info.

caitcakes · 06-03-2017 4:10pm

I actually just received an email back from INIS saying that it is my responsibility to have a legal means of staying in the country and that their office cannot provide a temporary permission to stay.

I'm confused because if you have to apply within the country and can only stay for 90 days but the process takes 6 months what is one to do? Also, which office does handle that if immigration does not?

The process is kind of contradicting itself and I'm wondering if they themselves are not allowed to advise that I stay. I can't imagine they don't get inquiries regarding this daily as it's a really important issue. There should be some sort of protocol set up.

ElChe32 · 06-03-2017 5:20pm

caitcakes wrote: »

I actually just received an email back from INIS saying that it is my responsibility to have a legal means of staying in the country and that their office cannot provide a temporary permission to stay.

I'm confused because if you have to apply within the country and can only stay for 90 days but the process takes 6 months what is one to do? Also, which office does handle that if immigration does not?

The process is kind of contradicting itself and I'm wondering if they themselves are not allowed to advise that I stay. I can't imagine they don't get inquiries regarding this daily as it's a really important issue. There should be some sort of protocol set up.

The system here is flawed...to put it lightly. Not enough case workers within the department and incredible backlogs. I agree that once your application is put in, and accepted by the department, you should be allowed to remain -as a dependent- until the decision is made. Keep us updated with how you get on.

caitcakes · 09-03-2017 4:27pm

ElChe32 wrote: »

The system here is flawed...to put it lightly. Not enough case workers within the department and incredible backlogs. I agree that once your application is put in, and accepted by the department, you should be allowed to remain -as a dependent- until the decision is made. Keep us updated with how you get on.

Hi again!

So I just received another letter back from INIS saying that if my permission is up while my application is processed I can apply for a stamp 3 to the De Facto Residence Division. Has anyone had experience doing this? Do I just write a letter basically requesting a stamp 3 while I wait?

amynz · 13-03-2017 3:29pm

Hi Caitcakes

I am in the same boat! My working holiday authorisation is up at the end of April and I don't expect to receive an answer on my application before then. No matter how much I email the department they will not give me an answer if I can stay while my application is processed or if I should leave the country. I too do not want to stay and have it affect future travel! I can not see why they do not want to answer the question, it absolutely baffles me. They did not recommend stamp 3 to me, let us know how you get on with it. I am going to see an immigration lawyer so I will post an update once we speak to someone. Amy

caitcakes · 22-03-2017 2:38pm

Hi All!

Wondering what type of insurance you've purchased? I've already submitted my de facto application and already remain in the state. I am a US citizen but have been granted a permission to stay while my application processes. I have to go into the Garda and bring proof of insurance in order to register and am not sure what type to get. I've looked into Travel Nomads as they offer insurance if you are already abroad but is travel insurance adequate? Would love any advice or past experiences as what is acceptable!!! Did you submit insurance with your application? If so, what kind and should I submit to INIS once I purchase? Thanks again!!!!

Tameanseo19 · 27-03-2017 1:03am

Hey guys...im happy to help anyone who's having difficulties with this process..pm me...if you are coming from a non visa required country , u need to contact GNIB and they should be able to help you out ..as long as you make them aware of what your for circumstances are they will advise...

Varetinha · 17-07-2017 4:01pm

Hi guys I'm about to apply with my boyfriend, just wondering, those who were living with parents, did yous get a positive reply in the end?

Just worrying because I'm in the same situation, although we do pay rent etc.

caitcakes · 18-07-2017 4:33pm

Varetinha wrote: »

Hi guys I'm about to apply with my boyfriend, just wondering, those who were living with parents, did yous get a positive reply in the end?

Just worrying because I'm in the same situation, although we do pay rent etc.

Still waiting on a decision but they requested a signed affidavit from his parents confirming the legitimacy of our relationship and that we are living together with them. They requested that fairly soon after submitting our application. All I can say is submit as much as possible because they will come back requesting more documents.

Varetinha · 18-07-2017 4:54pm

caitcakes wrote: »

Still waiting on a decision but they requested a signed affidavit from his parents confirming the legitimacy of our relationship and that we are living together with them. They requested that fairly soon after submitting our application. All I can say is submit as much as possible because they will come back requesting more documents.

Thanks for replying.

That's a shame, I know a couple who submitted theier application in February and got the reply few weeks ago.

I think the forms were updated so I need to sign them in front of a lawyer anyway, they say if you live with a family member the witness must be the home owner.

Best of luck!

sheepondrugs · 29-07-2017 12:45pm

hi wondering if anyone has any advice.
My girlfriend applied for the de facto visa in early May (her: non EU, me: Irish). However her current visa will expire September. So de facto application unlikely to be processed by then.
We have an appointment with GNIB in August and we hope to get an extension pending de facto outcome.
Can anyone advise if this is the best course of action or should we contact de facto section of INIS directly as some have suggested here?
thanks in advance.

Varetinha · 29-07-2017 7:28pm

sheepondrugs wrote: »

hi wondering if anyone has any advice.
My girlfriend applied for the de facto visa in early May (her: non EU, me: Irish). However her current visa will expire September. So de facto application unlikely to be processed by then.
We have an appointment with GNIB in August and we hope to get an extension pending de facto outcome.
Can anyone advise if this is the best course of action or should we contact de facto section of INIS directly as some have suggested here?
thanks in advance.

Hi in the explanatory leaflet they advise to write a letter to the de facto department seeking permission to remain in case the applicant's visa expires. In this case you can get a stamp 3 permission which doesn't allow you to work.

Knowing the immigration and having seen many people not getting their visa extended even when they are getting married, I think you won't get anything going there.

mistersifter · 11-08-2017 4:56pm

My girlfriend applied for the de facto visa and they were actually quite quick in getting back to us - less than a month I think. Unfortunately the visa was denied, despite the very large quantity of evidence we provided to prove we were in a long-term, stable relationship. I'd love to hear how you get on with this as we might re-apply. There's a chance you will get your reply before her visa expires, especially if it expires towards the end of sept.

Varetinha · 11-08-2017 8:42pm

mistersifter wrote: »

My girlfriend applied for the de facto visa and they were actually quite quick in getting back to us - less than a month I think. Unfortunately the visa was denied, despite the very large quantity of evidence we provided to prove we were in a long-term, stable relationship. I'd love to hear how you get on with this as we might re-apply. There's a chance you will get your reply before her visa expires, especially if it expires towards the end of sept.

Did they give you a reason why it was denied? I thought you would be able to appeal in some cases. I just applied and they sent me a letter saying that they deal with the applications in chronological order, and at the moment they are reviewing the applications from March. So I don't think you'll have an answer before september.

mistersifter · 12-08-2017 1:53am

Varetinha wrote: »

Did they give you a reason why it was denied? I thought you would be able to appeal in some cases. I just applied and they sent me a letter saying that they deal with the applications in chronological order, and at the moment they are reviewing the applications from March. So I don't think you'll have an answer before september.

The letter was fairly vague. It said they accepted our relationship was genuine but they said it wasn't akin to marriage , whatever that means. It's ludicrous really because we're together 10 yrs and living together for a 3-4 (2 out of ireland). We will re-apply again now soon I think with some more "evidence". It would be great to hear how others get on. What have you provided as proof or relationship?

Varetinha · 12-08-2017 11:03am

mistersifter wrote: »

The letter was fairly vague. It said they accepted our relationship was genuine but they said it wasn't akin to marriage , whatever that means. It's ludicrous really because we're together 10 yrs and living together for a 3-4 (2 out of ireland). We will re-apply again now soon I think with some more "evidence". It would be great to hear how others get on. What have you provided as proof or relationship?

That's strange, are you Irish or own another european passport? I know that they are two different cases.

I think you can appeal anyway saying why you think the decision is unfair.

I provided proof of address for both of us, bank statements showing money transactions between our accounts, joint account, dated pictures, facebook, instagram, whatsapp prints, text messages and calls for the entire length of our relationship.

mistersifter · 12-08-2017 8:28pm

Varetinha wrote: »

That's strange, are you Irish or own another european passport? I know that they are two different cases.

I think you can appeal anyway saying why you think the decision is unfair.

I provided proof of address for both of us, bank statements showing money transactions between our accounts, joint account, dated pictures, facebook, instagram, whatsapp prints, text messages and calls for the entire length of our relationship.

I'm Irish. We provided loads and loads of photos, emails, money transfers between us, flights we took together. The thing was we were living in her family home for two years so maybe they didn't see that as being "akin" to marriage, which is very unfair I think. We will appeal it and provide some more evidence this time. We're trying to open a joint account now but the bank are being difficult about her proof of address, too. Life is made difficult for non EU citizens at every turn. Our case is 100% genuine yet we can't get a break from anyone - banks, government, etc etc. I have to laugh when I hear the Irish government are calling for an amnesty for undocumented citizens in the US. Hopefully we can get sorted with the de facto within the next few months. She has renewed her english student visa for the last time so we need it.

lynvoh · 12-08-2017 8:41pm

You need to pay to get that stamp 3 ? if you come from a stamp 2 ?

Varetinha · 12-08-2017 10:54pm

mistersifter wrote: »

I'm Irish. We provided loads and loads of photos, emails, money transfers between us, flights we took together. The thing was we were living in her family home for two years so maybe they didn't see that as being "akin" to marriage, which is very unfair I think. We will appeal it and provide some more evidence this time. We're trying to open a joint account now but the bank are being difficult about her proof of address, too. Life is made difficult for non EU citizens at every turn. Our case is 100% genuine yet we can't get a break from anyone - banks, government, etc etc. I have to laugh when I hear the Irish government are calling for an amnesty for undocumented citizens in the US. Hopefully we can get sorted with the de facto within the next few months. She has renewed her english student visa for the last time so we need it.

Oh right now I see. Yeah I saw many cases that were denied in this basis "living with parents" somehow they think if you live with a family member it's not a relationship akin to marriage. Anyway I spoke to some people in the same case (me included) and also to a lady who works in migrants rights and they were very positive about it, all of them got their visa after appeal.

I know all about it, I'm non-eu and my partner is Irish and I'm in my last english visa.

I'd appeal saying that you were more than able to support yourselves.

Best of luck!

lynvoh · 12-08-2017 11:01pm

I don't get the moral of all this, we could get married and bypass these st*p*d requirements for the de-facto one. Could be a kind of government joke? To offer something that it's impossible to get?

mistersifter · 13-08-2017 12:19am

Varetinha wrote: »

Oh right now I see. Yeah I saw many cases that were denied in this basis "living with parents" somehow they think if you live with a family member it's not a relationship akin to marriage. Anyway I spoke to some people in the same case (me included) and also to a lady who works in migrants rights and they were very positive about it, all of them got their visa after appeal.

I know all about it, I'm non-eu and my partner is Irish and I'm in my last english visa.

I'd appeal saying that you were more than able to support yourselves.

Best of luck!

thanks for the info. so, we're in the same situation. I hope you get sorted and would love to hear about how it goes for you. I think it's awful that they don't take into account living with family, especially when property prices are so high in ireland now . I mean, all we are trying to do is save money for a future. Best of luck!!!!

fmt38 · 02-09-2017 7:38pm

Hi,
I'm Irish and my boyfriend is Brazilian. We went to see an immigration lawyer who looked over our documents for the de facto visa application and she said it looked great and there would be no reason why it should be rejected. We sent in everything at the beginning of December 2016 and we are still waiting to hear back to see if the application has been approved. It's been so long! Started to get anxious now......

lynvoh · 02-09-2017 7:51pm

fmt38 wrote: »

Hi,
I'm Irish and my boyfriend is Brazilian. We went to see an immigration lawyer who looked over our documents for the de facto visa application and she said it looked great and there would be no reason why it should be rejected. We sent in everything at the beginning of December 2016 and we are still waiting to hear back to see if the application has been approved. It's been so long! Started to get anxious now......

Hi, that is a very long time, did you have to do anything with the visa of your partner? Updated it or extended it?

sheepondrugs · 04-09-2017 12:20pm

fmt38 wrote: »

Hi,
I'm Irish and my boyfriend is Brazilian. We went to see an immigration lawyer who looked over our documents for the de facto visa application and she said it looked great and there would be no reason why it should be rejected. We sent in everything at the beginning of December 2016 and we are still waiting to hear back to see if the application has been approved. It's been so long! Started to get anxious now......

Yes, it does seem quite long even with the lengthy processing times. Have you receicved any contact from INIS at all,
such as a letter acknowledging receipt of your application or a request from them for further doucments?
Might be no harm to get on to them for an update.

fmt38 · 04-09-2017 9:03pm

We received an acknowledgement letter not long after we applied and we have not been asked for any other documents.
I'm going to e-mail INIS with our reference number and hope we hear back soon.

Varetinha · 04-09-2017 9:13pm

Today I received an email from Cross Care saying that INIS has changed the lenght of time the couple need to be living together from one year to two years. Although, they don't know yet what they are going to do with the application from april to september this year.

Early in 2017 the De Facto Immigration Permission for partners of Irish nationals was revised to:
Relax the criteria around the issue of couples living with parents
Reduce the co-habitation requirement down to 1 year
This revised scheme was kept under review over the last few months and it has now been decided that the co-habitation requirement will revert to 2 years.
This is to ensure consistency with other immigration schemes, such as the EU Treaty Rights De Facto Scheme. The issue of living with parents will be kept under review.
This change is effective from 1 September 2017. Information and application forms on this website have been updated accordingly.

fmt38 · 05-09-2017 6:32pm

I just got an e-mail back from INIS saying that they had made a decision in December and that they sent out a letter. We never received anything in the post! They are going to send out a copy this week. That means they had made a decision really quickly. Fingers crossed it's good news!

lynvoh · 05-09-2017 6:39pm

fmt38 wrote: »

I just got an e-mail back from INIS saying that they had made a decision in December and that they sent out a letter. We never received anything in the post! They are going to send out a copy this week. That means they had made a decision really quickly. Fingers crossed it's good news!

good luck!

Varetinha · 05-09-2017 6:50pm

fmt38 wrote: »

I just got an e-mail back from INIS saying that they had made a decision in December and that they sent out a letter. We never received anything in the post! They are going to send out a copy this week. That means they had made a decision really quickly. Fingers crossed it's good news!

That was really quick, keep us updated please. Just wondering have yous lived with parents or anything?

Best of luck!

fmt38 · 05-09-2017 7:15pm

I still can't believe we never got the letter....we have been wondering and waiting for months!! We should have contacted them sooner. We've always lived together at my own place.

Varetinha · 17-10-2017 11:31pm

Hi guys, any (good) news? I emailed them again last week and they are revising applications from May... it's been so long, no wonder why people end up getting married, such a stressful experience!

mistersifter · 17-10-2017 11:38pm

hey Varetinha!! Ive been meaning to update you. We were waiting on stuff from the bank and utility bills to use as proof. We've just got everything sorted so will be sending everything off this week. Sounds like we should get a move on anyway! when did you send yours away again?

sheepondrugs · 18-10-2017 3:36am

Would like to share our story (partner and I) as we have found this thread helpful and thanks to all who contribute.
OH (non-EU) applied for de-facto early May. Received a request for further/updated documents early September (health insurance,pay slips, bank a/c statements, utility bills despite the fact we had submitted all of this in original application). Approx 2 weeks later i.e mid September got the letter saying defacto/stamp 4 was granted. So very happy. All in all for us process took about 4.5 months.
we sent a load of photos of us at various events/holidays and a load a of screen grabs from fb, whatsapp, email etc.
Kind of bizarre when you think of it- someone in an office in tipperary or wherever sifting through someones personal life and trying to ascertain if its a legit relationship.. what a job.. but that's the way the system is and prob not gonna change anytime soon.
Best of luck to everyone who has applied.

mistersifter · 18-10-2017 10:26am

sheepondrugs wrote: »

Would like to share our story (partner and I) as we have found this thread helpful and thanks to all who contribute.
OH (non-EU) applied for de-facto early May. Received a request for further/updated documents early September (health insurance,pay slips, bank a/c statements, utility bills despite the fact we had submitted all of this in original application). Approx 2 weeks later i.e mid September got the letter saying defacto/stamp 4 was granted. So very happy. All in all for us process took about 4.5 months.
we sent a load of photos of us at various events/holidays and a load a of screen grabs from fb, whatsapp, email etc.
Kind of bizarre when you think of it- someone in an office in tipperary or wherever sifting through someones personal life and trying to ascertain if its a legit relationship.. what a job.. but that's the way the system is and prob not gonna change anytime soon.
Best of luck to everyone who has applied.

Congratulations! Thanks for filling us in. You must feel so relieved. We have similar proof to you so here's hoping.

RavenV · 19-10-2017 12:11pm

caitcakes wrote: »

Hi All!

Wondering what type of insurance you've purchased? I've already submitted my de facto application and already remain in the state. I am a US citizen but have been granted a permission to stay while my application processes. I have to go into the Garda and bring proof of insurance in order to register and am not sure what type to get. I've looked into Travel Nomads as they offer insurance if you are already abroad but is travel insurance adequate? Would love any advice or past experiences as what is acceptable!!! Did you submit insurance with your application? If so, what kind and should I submit to INIS once I purchase? Thanks again!!!!

Hello, I was wondering if you can help me, you mention that you were granted permission to stay while your application is processed... can you tell me how you did this? Did you ask them for the stamp 3? Is it better to email them or go to their office??

Than you!

lynvoh · 24-10-2017 4:32pm

RavenV wrote: »

Hello, I was wondering if you can help me, you mention that you were granted permission to stay while your application is processed... can you tell me how you did this? Did you ask them for the stamp 3? Is it better to email them or go to their office??

Than you!

Both, I asked for the stamp 3, first, by email to the person who is in charge of my application, once I received an answer by post, I had to make an appointment in the GNIB office and with the letter that says that you were granted an stamp 3, you go there I get yours. They are asking for a full medical insurance now.
Good luck

lynvoh · 03-11-2017 3:17pm

Hey guys, I have to update this conversation, two days ago after have been waiting since june, I received the Stamp 4. It took a while and a couple of letters needed to be sent to immigration officers, but it's worth.
Something that I would like to put the emphasis on it's that the fact that you are living temporarily with your partner's parents doesn't affect to the final decision of getting a stamp 4.
So keep trying and best of luck to you all.

Varetinha · 03-11-2017 3:42pm

lynvoh wrote: »

Hey guys, I have to update this conversation, two days ago after have been waiting since june, I received the Stamp 4. It took a while and a couple of letters needed to be sent to immigration officers, but it's worth.
Something that I would like to put the emphasis on it's that the fact that you are living temporarily with your partner's parents doesn't affect to the final decision of getting a stamp 4.
So keep trying and best of luck to you all.

Oh that's brilliant, congrats!

Did you apply in the end or beginning of June? Just wondering if they are getting any close to my application ðŸ˜…

kmart6 · 07-11-2017 11:51am

Hi Guys,

The below is just to give you an idea on timelines of how long the process took my partner and I.

Application received by INIS: 09/06/2017
Request for confirmation of information (same as sheepondrugs above): 17/10/2017
Approval of application/granting of visa: 02/11/2017

Just under 5 months from start to finish which is shorter than what we had been told to expect but did fit into the extension that had been granted for my partners Stamp 3.

Happy that we have finally got it granted, takes a lot of stress off both of us.

lynvoh · 07-11-2017 3:10pm

Varetinha wrote: »

Oh that's brilliant, congrats!

Did you apply in the end or beginning of June? Just wondering if they are getting any close to my application &#55357;&#56837;

beginning

Niall1992 · 04-01-2018 11:53am

Hi All,

Myself (Irish) and my boyfriend (Brazilian) want to apply for a de vacto visa. We met in May 2016 and started living together in May 2017.

Is the requirement that you must be living together for at least two years still in place?

We are not sure of any alternative (Other than marriage of course) as his final student visa expires in May 2018.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

Ireland De-Facto Visa

Comments