Can I still apply for a Turkish Businessperson or Worker Visa? – UK VISAS UPDATE

Turkish Businessperson UK Visa

Existing Turkish Businesspersons are able to apply to extend their status for periods of 3 years at a time. Presently, there is no deadline for the last acceptance of extension applications.

Where an extension is successfully obtained, you may continue to run your business in the UK, start a new one or continue to help run an established business in the UK.

Turkish Businesspersons may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain on satisfying the following requirements:

• They currently hold leave as a Turkish Businessperson;
• They have resided in the UK for a continuous period of 5 years as a Turkish Businessperson and/or holding a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa;
• Throughout the 5-year period, they have been actively involved in running one or more viable businesses in the UK;
• They genuinely intend to continue operating one or more businesses in the UK;
• Throughout the 5-year period, they have not been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any 12 month period;
• They are able to adequately maintain themselves and any family members in the UK without recourse to public funds;
• They have sufficient knowledge of life in the UK and the English language; and
• They do not fall foul of the suitability requirements.

Turkish Worker UK Visa

Existing Turkish Workers are similarly able to continue to extend their status in the UK with no present deadline.

Where a Turkish Worker has worked in the UK for 3 or 4 years, they are able to extend their status for a period of 1 year. Where a Turkish Worker has worked in the UK for more than 4 years, they will be able to extend their status for a period of up to 3 years. Whilst holding leave as a Turkish Worker, an individual is able to change employers but their role must remain within the same occupation.

Turkish Workers may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain on satisfying the following requirements:

• They currently hold leave as a Turkish Worker;
• They have resided in the UK for continuous period of 5 years as a Turkish Worker and/or holding a Tier 2 (General) Migrant and/or Tier 2 (Minister of religion) Migrant and/or Tier 2 (Sportsperson) Migrant visa and/or work permit holder;
• Throughout the 5-year period, they have been working in the UK in the same occupation;
• Throughout the 5-year period, they have not been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any 12 months;
• They are able to adequately maintain themselves and any family members in the UK without recourse to public funds;
• They have sufficient knowledge of life in the UK and the English language; and
• They do not fall foul of the suitability requirements.

How Gherson can assist

If you require assistance with an application as a Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker, Gherson has extensive experience in all aspects of UK immigration law. Please contact us to discuss your options, send us an e-mail, or alternatively, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please don’t hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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