Family reunification for international protection holders
2-year wait and self-sufficiency since 12 Jun 2026 · Official name: Family reunification under the International Protection Act 2026
People in Ireland with a current declaration as a Convention refugee, programme refugee or beneficiary of subsidiary protection can apply for certain family members to join them. Under the International Protection Act 2026, they must wait 2 years after their grant of protection before applying, and must show they can support their family without becoming a burden on the State. Applications made before 12 Jun 2026 are processed under the 2015 Act. People who were minors when they applied for protection can ask for a waiver of the 2-year wait and/or of the rule on state supports. Apply in writing to the Family Reunification Unit.
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Who it’s for
Spouses and partners (relationship before the protection application), unmarried children under 18, and dependent adult children or parents of refugees and subsidiary protection holders in Ireland; parents or a responsible adult of a refugee under 18.
Eligibility
Who can sponsorSponsor
Sign in to check this route against your profileA person with a current declaration as a Convention Refugee, Programme Refugee or Beneficiary of Subsidiary Protection.
2-year waiting periodSponsor
Sign in to check this route against your profileYou cannot seek family reunification until 2 years after your grant of international protection.
Waiting period
- Wait
- 2 years
- Example declaration
- 30 Jun 2026
- Earliest applicationfor that example
- 1 Jul 2028
Official wording
Sponsors cannot seek family reunification for 2 years after their grant of international protection. Example given: a declaration on 30 Jun 2026 means applying on or after 1 Jul 2028.
Support without burden on the StateSponsor
Sign in to check this route against your profileYou must show you can support your family without becoming a burden on the State.
- Details are in S.I. 251 of 2026
- Also in S.I. 252 of 2026 and S.I. 253 of 2026
Official wording
Under the Act the sponsor must show they can support their family without becoming a burden on the State. Details are in S.I. 251 of 2026, S.I. 252 of 2026 and S.I. 253 of 2026.
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