Best Dependent Visa Lawyers in Cobh

About Dependent Visa Law in Cobh, Ireland

People who live in or are moving to Cobh often use the term dependent visa to describe permissions that allow certain family members to join or remain with a sponsor in Ireland. Although you are based in Cobh, the rules are national and are administered by Irish Immigration Service Delivery within the Department of Justice. Local steps like immigration registration are carried out through the Garda National Immigration Bureau in County Cork.

In practice, dependents usually fall into one of these broad situations. Family members of Irish citizens seeking to live together in Ireland. Family members of non European Economic Area or non Swiss nationals who hold a right to live and work or study in Ireland, such as employment permit holders or researchers. Family members of EU or EEA or Swiss citizens exercising free movement rights in Ireland. Recognised refugees and persons with subsidiary protection seeking family reunification under the International Protection Act. The permission granted to a dependent can vary. Common outcomes include Stamp 4 which allows work without an employment permit, Stamp 1G which allows work without an employment permit subject to conditions, or Stamp 3 which allows residence only and no work. The correct route, documents, and processing path depend on your sponsor type and your relationship to the sponsor.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Dependent applications can be document heavy and deadline driven. A lawyer can help you decide the correct legal route, whether you must apply for a long stay D visa, preclearance, or residence after entry. Many families have mixed nationalities and statuses, which can trigger different rules for spouses, civil partners, de facto partners, minor children, adult dependent children in full time education, and dependent parents.

Legal help is commonly needed where relationships must be proven, such as de facto partnerships and stepchildren matters. Where income, accommodation, or insurance proof is required and you want to avoid refusal for insufficient evidence. Where a sponsor changed status or employer, or lost permission, and you need to protect the dependent’s position. Where there is a prior immigration history, refusals, or criminal or security issues. Where a relationship has broken down or there is domestic violence and the dependent needs independent permission. Where time limits for appeals or reviews apply and you need to prepare targeted representations.

A local solicitor who works with immigration clients in County Cork can also guide you on practical steps like registration in Cork, timelines, and how decisions are communicated.

Local Laws Overview

Irish immigration for dependents is based on national legislation and policy. Key sources include the Immigration Act 2004 and related statutory instruments which govern entry and registration. The European Communities Free Movement of Persons Regulations 2015 as amended for non EEA family members of EU or EEA or Swiss citizens exercising free movement in Ireland. The International Protection Act 2015 for statutory family reunification for recognised refugees and persons with subsidiary protection. The Policy Document on Non EEA Family Reunification which sets out how the Department of Justice assesses non EEA dependent applications for Irish citizens and for sponsors who hold immigration permissions such as employment permit holders and researchers.

Important practical points include whether you are a visa required national. Visa required applicants must generally secure a long stay D Join Family visa before travelling. Some non visa required nationals still need preclearance approval in advance for certain categories, for example de facto partners of Irish citizens. Evidence standards are strict. You should expect to provide original civil status documents, certified translations where applicable, proof of genuine relationship, dependency evidence for parents or adult children, police clearance certificates, proof of accommodation, private medical insurance where required, and evidence of finances.

Sponsor categories matter. Irish citizens can generally sponsor a spouse, civil partner, de facto partner, and minor children, and in some cases dependent parents. Employment permit holders and certain researchers can sponsor a spouse or partner and minor children, subject to conditions. Time in employment, minimum income, and accommodation requirements can apply, particularly for non critical skills categories. Students have very limited ability to sponsor dependents, with narrow exceptions such as certain doctoral level cases. For EU or EEA or Swiss sponsors in Ireland, family members have rights under EU law, subject to proof of the relationship and the sponsor’s exercise of free movement rights.

On arrival, non EEA nationals must register their residence permission within the permitted period, usually within 90 days. Residents of Cobh typically register with the local Garda immigration office serving County Cork. Registration fees often apply, with some exemptions. The residence stamp you receive controls your ability to work. Stamp 4 and Stamp 1G allow access to the labour market without an employment permit. Stamp 3 does not allow work. Your stamp type depends on sponsor category and policy in force at the time of decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dependent visa in Ireland and who qualifies

It is a general term for permissions that allow eligible family members to join or remain with a sponsor in Ireland. Typical dependents are a spouse or civil partner, a de facto partner, minor children, and in limited cases adult dependent children or dependent parents. The exact route and entitlements depend on whether the sponsor is an Irish citizen, an EU or EEA or Swiss citizen exercising free movement in Ireland, a recognised refugee, or a non EEA resident holding permission such as an employment permit or researcher permission.

Do I need to apply before I travel, and what is the difference between a visa and preclearance

If you are a visa required national, you generally must apply for a long stay D Join Family visa before coming to Ireland. Some categories of non visa required nationals must still obtain preclearance approval before travel, for example certain de facto partners. A visa or preclearance allows you to travel to the border. Your residence permission is granted after entry and registration.

How long do dependent applications take

Processing times vary by route and season. Join Family visa and preclearance decisions commonly take several months, and complex cases can take longer. After arrival, registration appointment wait times in County Cork can also affect timelines. It is sensible to plan for a multi month process and to avoid booking non refundable travel until you have the required approval.

What documents will I need

Expect to provide a valid passport, marriage or civil partnership certificate, evidence of a durable relationship for de facto partners, full birth certificates for children, custody or consent documents where relevant, proof of the sponsor’s status in Ireland, police clearance certificates for adults, proof of accommodation, private medical insurance if required, and evidence of finances. Documents not in English or Irish generally need certified translations. Some civil documents may need legalisation or an apostille.

Can I work in Ireland as a dependent

It depends on the permission you receive. Stamp 4 and Stamp 1G allow you to work without an employment permit, subject to conditions. Stamp 3 does not allow work. Spouses or partners of certain employment permit holders may receive Stamp 1G under current policy. The stamp you are granted is decided by Irish Immigration Service Delivery when you register. Always check the stamp printed on your Irish Residence Permit card.

Where do I register if I live in Cobh

If you live in Cobh you will normally register with the Garda immigration registration office that serves County Cork rather than the Dublin office. Registration is by appointment, and you must attend in person with your passport, approval letter where relevant, supporting documents, and payment method for any fee. Appointment availability can vary, so book early once you arrive.

Can I sponsor my parents or an adult child

It is possible only in limited circumstances. Sponsors must show genuine dependency and strong humanitarian grounds. Adult dependent children are typically considered only if they are in full time education and financially dependent, or if there are compelling medical circumstances. Dependent parents face a high evidence threshold. Outcomes are case specific and policy based.

What happens if my relationship ends or there is domestic violence

You should seek legal advice immediately. There are routes that may allow a retained right of residence or an independent permission where a relationship has broken down, including in cases involving domestic violence. For EU or EEA family members, EU law has specific retained rights rules. For other categories, the Department can consider independent permissions on a case by case basis. Evidence and timing are critical.

What if my application is refused

You will receive a written decision with reasons. Many refusals can be appealed or reviewed within a strict time limit, often 8 weeks for visa refusals. Appeals must address the stated reasons and include any missing or stronger evidence. If the appeal window has passed, a fresh application may be possible. A lawyer can help you choose the best path.

Will I need private medical insurance and are there fees

Non EEA dependents are often required to hold private medical insurance at or above a specified level unless eligible for public healthcare based on residence and status. Visa or preclearance applications may attract fees, and immigration registration normally has a fee, with some exemptions such as for certain protection beneficiaries and minors. Check what applies to your category before you apply.

Additional Resources

Irish Immigration Service Delivery within the Department of Justice for policy and applications. Garda National Immigration Bureau for registration information for County Cork. Citizens Information services in Cork for general guidance on Irish immigration processes and public services. Nasc, the Migrant and Refugee Rights Centre in Cork for community based information and referrals. Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for employment permit sponsor information where relevant. Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and International Protection Office resources for protection related family reunification. Local family law and immigration solicitors in County Cork with experience in dependent and family migration. Translation and document legalisation services familiar with Irish requirements.

Next Steps

Identify your sponsor type and relationship category because these determine the correct route. Confirm whether you are visa required and whether your category requires preclearance. Gather core documents early, including passports, civil status certificates, relationship evidence, police clearances, accommodation proof, finances, and health insurance. If you live in or are moving to Cobh, plan for registration at the County Cork immigration office and check appointment lead times.

If you need legal assistance, prepare a brief timeline of your relationship and immigration history, a list of dependents with dates of birth, and copies of any prior immigration decisions. Bring these to your first consultation. Ask the lawyer to map your route, list documents tailored to your case, flag likely timelines and risks, and identify any gaps in evidence. Where time limits apply, such as an appeal deadline, act quickly. Throughout the process, keep copies of everything you submit and of any correspondence from the Department or the Garda immigration office. This careful planning greatly reduces delays and the risk of refusal.