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Turkish Worker & Businessperson — Existing Holders

Advice on extensions, family applications and settlement for eligible existing ECAA holders.

At a Glance

Existing ECAA holders

Advice for people who already hold Turkish Worker or Turkish Businessperson permission under the legacy arrangements.

Extensions and settlement

Assessment of continuing permission, eligible family applications and the route to settlement.

Closed to new main applicants

These routes are closed to new main applicants. Eligible existing holders can still seek extensions and settlement under the applicable provisions.

We check your previous grants, current conditions and work or business history before advising on the next application.

Process and Procedure

We assess the provisions applying to your existing permission and coordinate the next steps with your family’s position.

  1. Review your permission

    Check your ECAA category, immigration history and expiry date.

  2. Assess the next step

    Consider continuing work or business activity, settlement and family options.

  3. Prepare the application

    Help organise relevant evidence and present the application.

  4. Review the decision

    Explain the outcome, conditions and future planning.

Existing Turkish Workers

Continuing your permission

Eligible existing Turkish Worker visa holders can apply to extend from within the UK. We review your lawful employment history and the conditions applying to your current grant.

Changing employment

The work you are permitted to undertake can depend on your period of lawful employment. Do not assume that you can freely change employer or occupation without checking the relevant provisions.

We assess proposed changes and the appropriate timing for an extension or settlement application.

Existing Turkish Businesspersons

Continuing your business

Eligible holders can apply to extend their permission to continue running a viable UK business. We review your involvement, business activity and ability to support yourself and your dependants.

Business changes and future plans

Changes to a business, partnership or your personal circumstances may affect the assessment. We advise on the immigration implications before preparing the next application.

Businessperson permission is different from permission to take employment. We check your conditions before advising on a change in activity.

Your Partner and Children

Existing dependants

Eligible partners and children with dependant permission may be able to extend their stay under the relevant arrangements.

Children joining from overseas

There are provisions for eligible children to join an existing holder. These do not create a general new partner entry route.

Assess each family member separately

We review each person’s existing permission, age and family circumstances. The rules distinguish existing dependant extensions from new applications to join a holder.

Settlement and permission after the main applicant settles also need individual assessment. The main applicant’s grant does not automatically extend or settle their family.

Settlement and Next Steps

Settlement under the current rules

Eligible Turkish Workers and Businesspersons may qualify for indefinite leave to remain after the relevant qualifying period, normally five years, subject to the applicable residence and other requirements.

We assess your immigration history, absences and continuing employment or business position, together with the separate requirements for any dependants.

British citizenship is a separate application

Settlement does not automatically grant British citizenship. Nationality eligibility and the appropriate application must be considered separately.

Plan before your permission expires

We advise on the appropriate application and timing. If your circumstances no longer fit the ECAA provisions, we can assess other available immigration options.

Discuss your Turkish Worker or Businessperson position →

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