With effect from 11pm on 31 December 2020 following the end of the Brexit transition period, all non-EEA family members of UK nationals seeking to join, or accompany, their UK national family member in Ireland will need to apply (depending on nationality) through a preclearance or visa scheme from outside the State.
The Preclearance Scheme only applies when a UK national has come to live in Ireland after 31 December 2020. If a UK national is living in Ireland on or before that date they and their eligible non-EEA family members will be a beneficiary under the Withdrawal Agreement.
Details of the preclearance and visa schemes, can be found here: Joining your UK national family member in Ireland and Policy Document – Brexit Scheme for Non-EEA Family Members of British Citizens seeking Immigration Permission in the State
Applications will be required from visa required and non-visa required nationals and will be assessed under the relevant policy document. All applications must be made from outside of Ireland and applicants must remain outside the State while their application is being processed.
Visa required nationals.
You will only have to make a visa application under the relevant scheme. Your visa, if your application is successful, will outline your reason for travel to Ireland.
Non Visa required nationals.
You will need to apply for preclearance, and if your application is successful, you will receive an approval letter from the preclearance unit which must be presented to an Immigration Officer at the port of entry.
Please note that you will be unable to apply for a visa or preclearance until after 11pm on 31 December 2020 through the Online Visa Preclearance Application Facility.