Visa processing for Critical Skills Permit

[Nurv]

Hello everyone,

I am a critical skills permit holder (granted in March 15) and I am currently waiting on my visa to be able to move to Ireland. We've also applied to a join spouse visa for my husband. I am a Non-EU and so is my husband.

It's been 5 weeks since we sent our applications to the South African Embassy (There's no consulate/embassy in my country for Ireland and we have to send everything by post to SA). From what the Embassy told me during my previous inquiries, the applications have to be sent to SA, and SA will send them to Dublin for processing.

5 weeks now and we have not heard anything back. Of course we've tried emailing/calling but to no avail. My start date in Dublin is 01 June and we were planning to leave here for Dublin on 24th May (provided they issue my husband's visa as well on time, else it looks like I will have to move along and wait for him there ).

The processing time is normally 2-6 weeks, so maybe I am getting worried for nothing since we are still within the time frame. However, I was wondering if anyone here had a similar situation? Has anyone here waited that long for a visa for the principal permit holder?

Anything to help really - advice, anecdotes..

Thank you!

[Nurv]

Thank you!

I actually received confirmation on both visa approvals the day I logged this post. I received both passports today, well stamped.
I though I was nearly there...

However, the Embassy did not return my original work permit and the other documents. Has anyone ever been in such a situation?
I have started trying to contact the Embassy again but no replies for now. I hope they come back to me soon as I need to present my original documents at the port of entry in Dublin.

Thanks.

[neuron]

You need to press both the embassy, and send and email to INIS just in case, to see where your papers are. As you said - you absolutely need the work permit, both to land in Ireland, and for registration (an re-registration, further down the line) with the GNIB.

Make sure you bring your marriage certificate, either in English or on an international form, with you, as you'll need it for your husband to register with the GNIB.

[Nurv]

Thank you Neuron - well noted.

I thought I was seeing the light at the end of the tunnel! But looks like I have to go back to the chasing game and I have only one week for that - I fly end of next week!

I cannot believe they strictly returned the passports only. Sigh! But I guess things never come easy hey..

Thanks again for the input!

[neuron]

Tell me about it. I had all my paperwork prepared, landed in Ireland, went straight to the GNIB the day later, only to be told that they can't register me because I was erroneously issued a C type visa (short stay) instead of a D type visa (long stay). It took two and a half months for INIS to sort that out, I came close to having to go back home for a little while and re-apply for a new visa!

Good luck!

[Nurv]

I got an email from the Embassy after some superb chasing today and my documents are on their way to me. I am not shouting victory without verifying them though. One step at a time, I have painfully learnt from the past 6 months..

That short stay visa issue is sure a serious one Neuron! Glad it's all okay for now

Thanks again for the input! This is just the beginning for me. I hope it's all going to be worth it!