--- title: "ILR – Turkish Worker Visa" url: https://immigrationvisaexpert.com/ilr-turkish-worker-visa/ type: page date: 2026-06-24 modified: 2026-10-24 markdown_url: https://immigrationvisaexpert.com/ilr-turkish-worker-visa.md author: "T Shah" --- # ILR – Turkish Worker Visa [Home](https://immigrationvisaexpert.com) # Turkish Worker Visa Extension and ILR The Turkish Worker route is now a legacy/transitional route for existing Turkish Worker permission holders. We help Turkish nationals and their families review extension eligibility, employment evidence, dependant position and ILR strategy before the application is prepared. [Book a Turkish Worker Visa Consultation](#fluentform_5) ## Quick case check Review whether your current status, employment history, dependant position and settlement timing are strong enough before the application is prepared. ### Existing Turkish Worker status? ### Employment evidence ready? ### Dependants need support? ### ILR timing checked? [Ask an Adviser](#fluentform_5) Book Consultation Overview Eligibility Documents Fees Dependants Extension ILR How We Help Latest Update FAQs ### Overview ## What is the Turkish Worker Visa extension route and who is it for? The Turkish Worker route is a legacy work route for Turkish nationals who already have qualifying Turkish Worker permission in the UK. It is not a general work visa and it is not a route that new main applicants can switch into now. The route remains important for existing Turkish Worker visa holders because they may still need an extension before they qualify for settlement. The evidence must show continuing eligibility, lawful employment history, compliance with immigration conditions and the right permission category. For many applicants, the main challenge is not simply completing an application. The real risk is whether the employment history, payslips, bank statements, current job evidence, dependant position and settlement timing all support the same strategy. Immigration Visa Expert can review the case before the application is prepared. ### Latest position ## What are the current Turkish Worker Visa extension and ILR rules? Legacy route This route is not open to new main applicants. Extension support is for Turkish nationals who already hold, or previously applied successfully for, qualifying Turkish Worker permission under the transitional ECAA rules. Extension fee There is currently no application fee to extend a Turkish Worker visa. Biometric and identity steps may still be required, and evidence must be prepared carefully. Permission length After 3 to 4 years of legal UK employment, permission may be granted for up to 1 year. After 4 or more years, permission may be granted for up to 3 years with broader work flexibility. ILR fee The current settlement fee is £3,226 per person. A partner who needs further limited permission instead of settlement currently has a separate extension fee and may need to pay the healthcare surcharge. ### Key facts ## Turkish Worker Visa extension UK: key points before you apply Applicant type For existing Turkish Worker permission holders who are already in the UK. Route status Closed to new main applicants and not available as a new switching route. Extension fee No application fee for the main Turkish Worker extension application. Decision time Extension and settlement decisions are usually made within 6 months. Work flexibility Work rights depend on how long the person has legally worked in the UK. Settlement ILR may be possible after 5 years if the settlement requirements are met. ### Eligibility ## Who can qualify for a Turkish Worker Visa extension? A Turkish Worker extension is usually relevant only where the applicant is already in the UK and already has valid Turkish Worker permission. The applicant must be able to show that they have complied with immigration conditions and have not broken immigration law. The work evidence is central. Applicants should be ready to evidence their lawful UK employment during the relevant period, including employment records, pay evidence and bank records. The intended work position also matters because the permitted work flexibility depends on the length of legal employment in the UK. Where a person has legally worked in the UK for 3 to 4 years, the extension position is more restricted and the applicant may be expected to continue in the same occupation even if changing employer. Where the person has completed 4 or more years of legal employment, the route can provide wider flexibility to work in any occupation for any employer. ### Employment history for an extension The worker must normally show at least three years of lawful employment with the same employer, or four years of lawful employment including three with the same employer and the remaining period in the same occupation. A valid employment contract and evidence of continued pay must establish ongoing employment throughout the requested leave. ### Documents ## What documents are usually important for a Turkish Worker Visa extension? The document strategy should prove identity, current immigration status, lawful UK employment, current or prospective work position, and family relationship evidence where dependants are involved. A strong evidence bundle normally includes identity evidence, proof of current Turkish Worker status, payslips, bank statements covering the relevant employment period, employer evidence, job or occupation evidence and any dependant documents. Where there are gaps in employment or pay evidence, the explanation and alternative records need to be prepared carefully. Employment history Payslips, bank statements and employer evidence should show the relevant lawful employment period clearly. Status and identity Current passport, proof of Turkish Worker status and identity evidence should be checked before submission. Family and settlement Dependants, absences, language, Life in the UK and residence history should be reviewed early. ## Request a Turkish Worker Visa document review We can review the employment records, pay evidence, immigration status, dependant documents and settlement readiness before the application is prepared. [Request Document Review](#fluentform_5) ### Fees ## How much does a Turkish Worker Visa extension or ILR application cost? Turkish Worker extension £0 application fee. The main extension application currently has no application fee, but the case must still meet validity, identity and evidence requirements. Turkish Worker ILR £3,226 per person. Each person applying for settlement must pay the current ILR fee. Biometric information is taken as part of the process. Partner extension after main applicant ILR £1,407 plus healthcare surcharge. This may apply where the main applicant has settled but the partner has not yet completed the qualifying period for settlement. Dependants Case-dependent. Dependants may need extension or settlement advice depending on their existing permission, age, relationship and residence history. Professional support Fixed-fee or case-specific quote. We can confirm the service scope after reviewing employment history, status evidence, dependant position and ILR readiness. ### Dependants ## Can dependants apply with a Turkish Worker visa holder? A partner and dependent children may be able to extend or settle depending on their current permission, relationship evidence, age, residence history and whether they meet the relevant dependant requirements. Their permission is usually linked to the main applicant, but their own qualifying period and evidence still matter. A dependant partner or child who is already in the UK with valid dependant permission may need a separate extension application if they are not ready for settlement at the same time as the main applicant. Children who were born in the UK do not automatically become British citizens just because they were born here, so their immigration status should be planned carefully. Family applications should be reviewed early because children turning 21, time spent outside the UK, separated parents, sole responsibility evidence, accommodation evidence and relationship evidence can all affect the correct strategy. Existing dependent partners and children must make their own extension applications; the main worker’s extension does not extend their leave. This includes children who turn 21, provided they continue to meet the applicable dependency and other requirements. Use the appropriate dependant form if applying separately. ### Extension ## How long can you extend a Turkish Worker Visa for? The length of permission depends on how long the applicant has legally worked in the UK. If the person has worked legally for 3 to 4 years, they may be granted permission for up to 1 year. In that position, a change of employer may be possible only within the same occupation. If the person has worked legally for 4 or more years, they may be granted permission for up to 3 years and may be able to work in any occupation for any employer. Even where the work rights are wider, the application still needs to show that the applicant meets the route requirements and has complied with immigration conditions. A Turkish Worker extension can be made more than once if the requirements continue to be met. However, where the applicant is close to completing 5 years, it may be more sensible to review whether an ILR strategy is available instead of treating the extension in isolation. ### Settlement ## Does the Turkish Worker Visa lead to ILR? Yes. Turkish Worker permission can lead to indefinite leave to remain if the applicant meets the settlement requirements. In most cases, the applicant needs to show 5 years of living and working in the UK, compliance with the route, English language ability, Life in the UK and absence compliance. The absence rule is important. The applicant must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during the relevant 5-year period. Public funds and immigration compliance issues must also be checked before a settlement application is prepared. Dependants may also be able to apply for settlement if they meet their own requirements. A partner usually needs to have been granted dependant permission and to have lived with the main applicant in the UK for a continuous 5-year period before settlement. Children have separate rules depending on age, dependency, family position and whether both parents are settled or applying. The five-year settlement period may combine ECAA Worker leave with Tier 2 General, Tier 2 Minister of Religion, Tier 2 Sportsperson or work-permit permission. The most recent permission must be as an ECAA Worker, and the continuous-residence and remaining settlement conditions still apply. ### How we help ## How Immigration Visa Expert supports Turkish Worker extension and ILR applicants ## Build the application around employment evidence, status history and settlement timing We help Turkish Worker visa holders and their families structure extension, dependant and ILR applications around the evidence that matters most. - extension check - employment evidence - dependants - ILR readiness - absence review - citizenship planning Process ### Turkish Worker Visa support pathway 1 #### Initial consultation We review the current Turkish Worker status, employment history, family position and deadline. 2 #### Eligibility strategy We assess whether extension, settlement or a dependant strategy is the right route. 3 #### Evidence review We check employment records, pay evidence, status proof, absences and family documents. 4 #### Application support We help structure the application, supporting evidence and case explanation. 5 #### Outcome planning We advise on decision timing, dependants, ILR, citizenship and future status planning. ## Ask Immigration Visa Expert to review your Turkish Worker case We can assess extension eligibility, employment documents, dependant applications, ILR readiness and future citizenship planning. [Book Consultation](#fluentform_5) [Request Document Review](#fluentform_5) ### FAQs ## Turkish Worker Visa extension and ILR FAQs [Can new applicants apply for a Turkish Worker visa?](#collapse-d64d1886adc715504e05) No. The route is now a legacy/transitional route. It is mainly relevant to Turkish nationals who already have qualifying Turkish Worker permission and need extension or settlement advice. [Who can extend a Turkish Worker visa?](#collapse-1a593046adc715504e05) A person may be able to extend if they are already in the UK, hold a valid Turkish Worker visa, have complied with immigration conditions, and can evidence their lawful employment and current work position. [How much does it cost to extend a Turkish Worker visa?](#collapse-c8785b16adc715504e05) The main Turkish Worker extension application currently has no application fee. Professional advice, document preparation and any related dependant or settlement work are separate. [How long does a Turkish Worker extension take?](#collapse-1d2e7c66adc715504e05) A decision is usually made within 6 months. Cases can take longer if evidence needs to be checked, an interview is required, or there are personal or immigration history issues. [Can I travel while my Turkish Worker extension is pending?](#collapse-96193e06adc715504e05) You should not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man while the application is pending because the application can be treated as withdrawn. [What documents are important for a Turkish Worker extension?](#collapse-a0ded056adc715504e05) The case usually turns on identity, current status, proof of employment across the relevant period, payslips, bank statements and evidence of the current or prospective employment position. [Can I change employer on a Turkish Worker extension?](#collapse-5f423fc6adc715504e05) This depends on how long you have legally worked in the UK. After 3 to 4 years, work flexibility is more limited. After 4 or more years, wider employment flexibility may be available. [Can my dependants extend with me?](#collapse-7a785786adc715504e05) Dependants may be able to extend if they already have valid dependant permission and meet the relationship, age, care and financial evidence requirements. Children may have different rules depending on age and current permission. [Can children apply from outside the UK?](#collapse-35c8c1a6adc715504e05) Children under 21 may be able to apply in certain circumstances. The evidence should be checked carefully, especially where both parents are not applying or not both in the UK. [Does a Turkish Worker visa lead to ILR?](#collapse-6ed96146adc715504e05) Yes, it can lead to ILR if the applicant has completed the required residence and work period and meets the settlement requirements, including English language, Life in the UK and absence rules. [What are the Turkish Worker ILR requirements?](#collapse-bac21e56adc715504e05) The main applicant usually needs 5 years of living and working in the UK, must meet the language and Life in the UK requirements, must not have exceeded the absence limits, and must not fall for refusal reasons. [Can Immigration Visa Expert help if my employment evidence is incomplete?](#collapse-ba39d046adc715504e05) Yes. We can review the gaps, identify what alternative evidence may help, and structure the case so the employment history and current work position are explained clearly. ### Related guides ## Related UK immigration guides Related guide ## Turkish Businessperson Visa Extension and ILR For Turkish nationals who hold Turkish Businessperson permission and need advice on extension or settlement planning. [Read guide](https://immigrationvisaexpert.com/turkish-business-person-visa-extension-ilr/) Related guide ## UK Settlement / ILR Visa For wider settlement planning, residence history, absence issues and family settlement applications. [Read guide](https://immigrationvisaexpert.com/uk-ilr-settlement/) Related guide ## British Citizenship by Naturalisation For people who already hold settlement and want to plan the next step towards British citizenship. [Read guide](https://immigrationvisaexpert.com/uk-citizenship-by-naturalisation/) Related guide ## Spouse / Partner Dependant Visa For dependant partners who may need separate limited permission or family route advice. [Read guide](https://immigrationvisaexpert.com/family-visas-uk/) Related guide ## Skilled Worker Visa For applicants whose Turkish Worker route is no longer suitable and who may need a sponsored work strategy. [Read guide](https://immigrationvisaexpert.com/skilled-worker-visa/) Related guide ## Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) For understanding healthcare surcharge costs where limited permission is required instead of settlement. [Read guide](https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application) ## Ready to discuss a Turkish Worker Visa extension or ILR application? Speak to Immigration Visa Expert for advice on extension eligibility, employment evidence, dependants, settlement readiness and future citizenship planning. ### Ask an Immigration Adviser Share your visa query and our team will guide you on the next step.