Turkish Worker Visa

This immigration route has closed to new applicants. However, existing applicants may be able to extend their Turkish Worker visa.

What is a Turkish Worker Visa?

The Turkish Worker visa category enables Turkish nationals who legally worked in the UK, the option to extend their stay in the UK to live and work.

What Are the Key Eligibility Requirements to extend a Turkish Worker Visa?

Some of the key requirements to extend a Turkish Worker visa (this list is not exhaustive), include the following:

• Must have a valid Turkish Worker visa;
• Must show they have not broken any immigration laws;
• Must prove their employment during their current stay in the UK, including payslips and bank statements for the whole period they have worked here; and
• Should also provide evidence that shows they have been legally employed in the UK with the same employer for at least 3 years, and they are planning to:
• carry on doing the same type of job, if they have been legally employed for between 3 and 4 years
• work for any employer doing any job, if they have been legally employed for 4 years or longer

How Long is a Turkish Worker Visa Extended for?

Before the expiry of a Turkish Worker visa, applicants must apply to extend their visa. If approved, applicants will be granted an extension for either up to 1 year or up to 3 years depending on how long they have worked in the UK.

Applicants can apply to extend their stay as many times as they like so long as they meet the eligibility criteria.

Does a Turkish Worker Visa Lead to Settlement?

Once an applicant has held a Turkish Worker visa for 5 years in the UK they may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.

Indefinite Leave to Remain gives settled status in the UK, also known as ‘settlement’. It gives the right to live, work and study in the UK for as long as an applicant wishes to do so and apply for benefits if eligible.

Will an Applicant be Eligible for British Citizenship?

Once an applicant has held indefinite leave to remain in the UK for 12 months they may be eligible for British Citizenship.

Can Dependants Join or Accompany Turkish Workers?

The partner and children of an applicant can accompany or join them so long as they meet the eligibility criteria. If this is met, they will be issued a visa which will have the same end date as the Turkish Worker visa holder.

How Long Does it Take For a Decision to be Made?

The Home Office will usually process a Turkish Worker extension application within 6 months.

How Much Does it Cost?

There is no fee for this application.

How We Can Help You

Our highly experienced team will provide expert advice and guidance to you throughout your immigration journey.

If you have any questions, please complete our online enquiry form or email us at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can call us on 01724 701111 and one of our experts will be happy to assist you.