The Department of Justice has published a new Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification on 12^th June 2026.

This Policy Document has introduced substantial amendments to the visa application procedure for all categories of Sponsor intending to sponsor a visa application for a non-EEA family member to join them in Ireland.

Category C Sponsors are defined by the Policy Document as follows:

1. General Employment Permit holders,
2. Reactivation Employment Permit holders,
3. Stamp 4 holders not covered by other categories set out in Category B, who are eligible to sponsor a family reunification application.

Refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection who are eligible to apply for a visa under the Policy are also now considered Category C Sponsors.

The new Policy Document has introduced additional requirements for Category C Sponsors to show they have suitable accommodation to accommodate their family members in Ireland should the visa be approved.

Paragraph 9.3 of the new Policy Document states as follows:

‘Category C sponsors must present documentary evidence that they can provide suitable accommodation for their family members, both in terms of its size in relation to the number of family members applied for and any other financial/housing obligations, without recourse to public funds.’

The new Policy Document sets out at Appendix E that, at a minimum, the sponsor must provide evidence of suitable accommodation such that family members will not be living in overcrowded conditions. In practice, there should be at least:

• One bedroom, which the sponsor and spouse/partner may share;
• One additional bedroom for every two (2) children; and
• Enough bedrooms such that no child over ten years old must sleep in the same room with a child of the opposite sex.

The new Policy Document also states that, where children are concerned, there must not be any unrelated adults at the property, and the entire unit must be rented/owned by the Sponsor. Tenancies must also be registered with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB), and a copy of the Registration Confirmation Letter issued by the RTB and a completed ACCOM1 form must be provided.

The Policy provides that proof of suitable accommodation is not required at the initial point of application, but the visa officer may request this at a later stage. If the sponsor does not provide proof of suitable accommodation within 6 months of it being requested, the application may be refused.

The new Policy Document also provides that Sponsors in all categories must not be resident in homeless accommodation, other State funded emergency accommodation, accommodation provided by the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS), social housing or local authority housing. Where a sponsor is in receipt of a social housing support, such as the Housing Assistance Payment, they also may not meet the requirements of the Policy.

For applications involving minor children, the Policy Document has provided updated minimum net income thresholds in line with the updated Working Family Payment (WFP).

Berkeley Solicitors is available to provide advice and support for anyone commencing the visa application process.

This blog article has been prepared on the basis of current immigration law and policy, which is subject to change. Please keep an eye on our blog and Facebook page where articles relating to updates and changes in immigration law and policy are regularly posted.