ECAA Turkish Worker Visa UK

The Turkish ECAA Businessperson visa UK permits Turkish nationals to start or join a business in the UK. The visa derives from the Ankara Agreement (1963), an association agreement between Turkey and the EEC, which later evolved into the EU. After 31 December 2020, applications for new visas are no longer accepted because of the UK’s departure from EU. However, if eligible, the current visa holders can still extend or apply for ILR and can bring dependents. Sunrise Solicitors help clients extend their visas, prepare their documents and help with the dependent’s applications making the process as smooth as possible.

Brexit Closure: What Happened to the Ankara Agreement Route?

Visa applications for the Turkish Businessperson visa UK under the Ankara Agreement are no longer accepted from new applicants. This path is only open to existing visa holders. Existing holders can apply for extensions and ILR under Appendix ECAA Extension of Stay and Appendix ECAA Settlement of the UK Immigration Rules. Visa holders can apply for an extension of their visa for up to 3 years. They can have as many extensions as needed, if they meet the criteria. After living in the UK for 5 years on this visa, the visa holder can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). The main applicant can bring dependent children to the UK who are younger than 21 years. No fee is required for the extension of this visa.

Since Brexit, there have been no new visa categories created specifically for Turkish nationals. Any Turkish national who wants to start a business should consider other options, such as the Innovator Founder visa. With time, this route will eventually phase out as all eligible holders will achieve ILR and British citizenship.

Services For Turkish ECAA Workers

As specialist Turkish ECAA Worker visa solicitors, we can provide fast, friendly and reliable fixed fee immigration advice and representations for the following applications for Turkish ECAA Workers:

Our Fixed Fees For Turkish ECAA Worker Visa Applications

Eligibility and Requirements for Turkish Businessperson Visa Extensions

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the Turkish ECCA Businessperson Visa UK:

• The applicant must already hold a valid Turkish ECAA Businessperson visa and be physically present in the UK.
• The applicant must have an active, genuine, viable business in the UK.
• The applicant must have sufficient funds to support themselves and any dependants from their business’s profits.
• The applicant cannot work for other employers or take on unrelated employment.
• For joining an existing business, applicants must provide chartered accountant-prepared accounts, terms of involvement, and evidence of qualifications/experience.

Extension Application Process and Timeline

The extension application process and timeline for the Turkish ECAA Businessperson visa UK is as follows:

• Apply online via UKVI from within the UK
• Use the UK Immigration ID Check app or UKVCAS appointment for biometrics.
• Submit required documents, including valid passport or equivalent identity document, business documents (business registration, tax returns, accounts, contracts, invoices) and proof of ability to support yourself and dependants bank statements and tenancy agreement.
• For dependants it is necessary to provide marriage/birth certificates and proof of financial support.
• Decisions can take up to 6 months. Faster decisions (priority/super priority) may be available, but only if offered during your application.
• There is no visa extension fee, but dependants may pay IHS surcharge i.e. £776 for children under 18. For adult dependents the fee is £1035.
• Applicants must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until they get a decision. Traveling outside the UK may lead to the withdrawal of the application.

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for Turkish Businesspersons

After staying continuously in the UK for 5 years, Turkish Businessperson visa holders can apply for ILR.

For Turkish ECAA Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR):

• Applicants are responsible for continuing their business while meeting the criteria, showing sufficient money from the business to support their family.
• Applicants must prove that they passed the Life in the UK test.
• Applicants need to prove their knowledge of the English language by having either an English qualification at B1, B2, C1 or C2 levels or a degree taught or researched in English.
• They must have followed all the rules and show that they have not broken any immigration laws.
• It costs £3,029 for each person applying. Each applicant would need to have their biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken; there is no fee for this.
• If your partner is applying to extend their visa, their fee is £1,321. They will need to pay the healthcare surcharge (IHS) fee that is £1,035 per year.
• If your application is approved you can apply for British citizenship, usually after a minimum of 12 months.

Dependant Family Members (Spouses, Partners & Children)

Partners, children under 21 or over 21 (if they were previously granted leave as dependants), can apply to extend their stay or settle in the UK under the Turkish Businessperson visa route. Children under 21 can still apply from outside the UK to join the main applicant. The length of a dependant’s visa is usually the same as the main applicants. Applications must be submitted online and may need to include the main applicant’s Unique Application Number (UAN) or Global Web Form (GWF). All dependants must meet the required financial, accommodation, and relationship criteria.

Joining You in the UK as a Dependant

The partner (husband, wife, civil partner) or the person the applicant has been in a genuine relationship with for 2 years before applying to settle can join the Turkish Businessperson Visa holder in the UK. Moreover, children under 21 can also join the main applicant. The children must not be married or living independently. In some cases, children over 21 may also qualify, if previously granted leave. Applicants must provide proof of relationship, shared living arrangements, and, where applicable, sole responsibility. Each dependant must submit valid ID, photographs, and supporting documents as proof that they will live permanently with the main applicant.

Extending Dependant Visas

A dependant partner can apply to extend their visa if the main applicant has already been granted ILR, but the partner has not yet completed 5 years in the UK as their dependant.

The qualification criteria for the dependent partner for the ECAA Turkish Businessperson visa extension are:

• They have last been granted entry clearance or leave to remain as your dependant.
• They are in a genuine relationship with the main applicant.
• They are living in suitable accommodation which they can maintain without access to public funds.

ILR for Dependants

Partners can apply for ILR if they have been granted leave as the dependant of the main applicant. The partner must have lived in the UK with you for a continuous period of 5 years. They should have met the knowledge of language and Life in the UK test to apply for ILR.

The requirements for the children to apply for the Turkish Businessperson visa ILR is give below:

Refusals and Appeal Rights for Turkish Businessperson Visa Decisions

If the application of the Turkish Businessperson Visa UK is refused, applicants may be eligible to request an Administrative Review (AR) to correct any case of working errors. If AR is unsuccessful or the applicants do not have access to it, they may be able to have the Home Office’s decision examined through an application for Judicial Review (JR). There is no general right to appeal available unless human rights grounds are raised. Sunrise Solicitors can assist with AR, JR, or reapplication, helping clients achieve the best possible outcome.

How Sunrise Solicitors Can Help Turkish Businessperson Visa Holders

Sunrise Solicitors provides expert legal advice to Turkish Businessperson visa holders. Our expert team assists clients with getting their visa extended, obtaining ILR and submitting applications for dependants. We provide guidance if your visa is refused helping you throughout the process. Our professional solicitors provide representation to clients in administrative and judicial reviews as well. When cases are challenging, we provide reliable and honest advice to our customers. Sunrise Solicitors offers transparent and fixed fee packages with no hidden costs. Call us today and discuss your case with our expert solicitor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can ECAA visa work in the UK?

People who applied before 30 Dec 2020 can work and extend their stay or apply for settlement in the UK. Currently, UKVI is not accepting new applications under ECAA Turkish businessperson visa.

What is the ECAA agreement?

The ECAA or Ankara Agreement, was a treaty between Turkey and the EU that allowed Turkish people to run businesses in the UK.

How long can you stay in UK with a business visa?

You can stay up to 3 years in the UK on this visa. However, you can apply to extend this visa as many times as you want but you must meet the eligibility.

Do Turkish citizens have the right to work in the UK?

Turkish citizens with Turkish businessperson visas can work in the UK.

What countries are in the ECAA?

ECAA included the European Economic Community (now EU) and Turkey. This agreement only allowed Turkish nationals to apply for a UK visa.

What is ECAA dependant?

Spouse, partner, or child under 21 qualify as ECAA dependants. The dependants can apply for ILR or can extend their visas.

What is the ECAA visa type?

The ECAA is a business visa. It refers to the Turkish Businessperson visa under the Ankara Agreement.