Turkish Worker visa
Overview
You can apply to extend your Turkish Worker visa if you already have permission to stay in the UK as a Turkish Worker.
Eligibility
You can only extend your visa if you’re already in the UK.
You’ll need to meet the eligibility requirements to extend your visa.
How long you can stay
The length of time you can apply to extend your stay for and what job you can do depends on how long you’ve legally worked in the UK.
| How long you’ve worked in the UK | Length of permission to be in the UK | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| 3 to 4 years | Up to 1 year | Change employer, but in the same occupation |
| 4+ years | Up to 3 years | Work in any occupation for any employer |
You must apply from within the UK before your current permission to stay expires.
If you want to stay longer in the UK
You can apply to extend your visa as many times as you like as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements.
After 5 years, you may be able to apply to settle in the UK permanently (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’). This gives you the right to live, work and study here for as long as you like, and apply for benefits if you’re eligible.
How to apply
You must apply to extend your visa online.
Your partner and children (‘dependants’) can apply separately to extend their dependant visas, if they already have them.
How long it takes
As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity and provide your documents.
You may need to allow extra time if you need an appointment to do this. You’ll find out if you need one when you start your application.
Getting a decision
Once you’ve applied, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa extension within 6 months.
How much it costs
There’s no fee to apply to extend your visa.
What you can and cannot do
With a Turkish Worker visa extension you can:
- include your family (‘dependants’) on this extension if they’re already in the UK and have a dependant visa
- study
- do voluntary work
- apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’) if you’ve lived in the UK for 5 years and meet the other eligibility requirements
You cannot:
- apply for most benefits (public funds), or the State Pension
If your application is successful, you’ll get a full list of what you can and cannot do with a Turkish Worker visa.