The ECAA Visa UK routes for Turkish Workers and Businesspersons closed to new applicants on 31 December 2020 following Brexit. However, Turkish nationals who already hold these visas can still extend their permission to stay and apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years of continuous residence. This comprehensive guide covers the extension requirements for both the Turkish Worker Visa and Turkish Businessperson Visa, the pathway to settlement, required documents, and answers to frequently asked questions about these legacy immigration routes under the Ankara Agreement.
Understanding the ECAA Visa UK and Ankara Agreement
The ECAA Visa (European Community Association Agreement visa) was established under the Ankara Agreement signed in 1963 between Turkey and the European Economic Community. This historic agreement aimed to strengthen economic ties between Turkey and Europe, with provisions allowing Turkish nationals to establish themselves as workers or business owners within member states.
What is the ECAA Visa UK?
The ECAA Visa UK refers to two immigration routes for Turkish nationals under the Ankara Agreement: the Turkish Worker Visa (for employed workers) and the Turkish Businessperson Visa (for self-employed business owners). Both routes closed to new applicants on 31 December 2020, but existing holders can still extend and eventually settle in the UK.
The ECAA framework created two distinct pathways for Turkish nationals, each with different eligibility requirements and rights:
Turkish Worker Visa Extension Requirements
To extend your Turkish Worker Visa, you must already hold valid ECAA worker leave, have been lawfully employed in the UK for the required period (3+ years with the same employer or 4+ years total), and apply from within the UK before your current permission expires. There is no fee to extend.
The Turkish Worker Visa extension provides increasing employment flexibility based on how long you have legally worked in the UK:
Turkish Worker Visa Eligibility for Extension
- Current ECAA leave: Must hold valid Turkish Worker visa permission
- Lawful employment: 3+ years with same employer, or 4+ years total including 3 years with same employer
- Apply from UK: Must be in the UK when applying
- Before expiry: Apply before your current permission expires
- No immigration breaches: Must not have breached UK immigration conditions
Turkish Businessperson Visa Extension Requirements
To extend your Turkish Businessperson Visa, you must have valid ECAA businessperson leave, operate a genuine and viable business in the UK, be able to support yourself and dependants from business profits without public funds, and apply from within the UK. Extensions are granted for up to 3 years at a time with no limit on the number of extensions.
The Turkish Businessperson Visa extension requires demonstrating that your business remains viable and that you continue to meet the eligibility criteria under Appendix ECAA Extension of Stay.
Turkish Businessperson Visa Eligibility for Extension
- Current ECAA leave: Must hold valid Turkish Businessperson visa permission
- Genuine business: Established, taken over, or become director of one or more UK businesses
- Viable business: Business must be financially viable and genuinely trading
- Self-supporting: Business profits sufficient to maintain you and dependants
- No public funds: Must not rely on public benefits
- Genuine self-employment: Role must not be disguised employment
How to Apply for ECAA Visa Extension
Both Turkish Worker and Businessperson visa extensions are applied for online from within the UK. The application process is the same for both routes, though the supporting documents differ.
- Step 1: Apply online via the gov.uk portal (free of charge)
- Step 2: Prove your identity (UK Immigration: ID Check app or UKVCAS appointment)
- Step 3: Provide biometric information if required
- Step 4: Submit supporting documents
- Step 5: Wait for decision (up to 6 months)
Documents Required for ECAA Extension
The supporting documents required depend on whether you are applying as a worker or businessperson:
For Turkish Workers:
- Valid passport or travel document
- Current BRP showing Turkish Worker visa status
- Employment evidence: Payslips, contracts, employer letter confirming employment duration
- Proof of continuous residence: Utility bills, bank statements, tenancy agreements
For Turkish Businesspersons:
- Valid passport or travel document
- Current BRP showing Turkish Businessperson visa status
- Business accounts: Prepared by chartered accountant or audited
- HMRC documents: Tax returns and evidence of payments
- Companies House registration (if applicable)
- Business bank statements: Showing trading activity
- Contracts and invoices: Evidence of genuine business activity
ECAA ILR: Settlement After 5 Years
After 5 years of continuous residence in the UK on an ECAA visa (Turkish Worker or Businessperson), you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). The ILR application costs £3,029 and requires meeting the Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK (KoLL) requirement. Once granted ILR, you can apply for British citizenship after 12 months.
The pathway to settlement under the ECAA route is set out in Appendix ECAA Settlement of the Immigration Rules. Both Turkish Workers and Businesspersons follow the same settlement requirements.
ECAA ILR Requirements
- 5 years continuous residence: Under ECAA worker or businessperson leave
- Current ECAA status: Most recent leave must be ECAA worker or businessperson
- KoLL requirement: Pass the Life in the UK test and meet English language requirements
- Financial independence: Support yourself without public funds
- No suitability concerns: Must not fall for refusal under general grounds
- Both Turkish Worker and Businessperson routes closed to new applicants on 31 December 2020
- Existing ECAA visa holders can still extend their permission (free of charge)
- ILR (settlement) is available after 5 years of continuous residence
- Extension processing takes up to 6 months
- New Turkish applicants must use the points-based system (Skilled Worker, Innovator Founder)
For detailed guidance on eligibility and application requirements, visit the official gov.uk visas and immigration pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Turkish Worker Visa still available in 2026?
No, the Turkish Worker Visa route closed to new applicants on 31 December 2020 following Brexit. However, Turkish nationals who already held valid Turkish Worker visa permission before this date can still extend their visa and apply for settlement (ILR) after 5 years. New Turkish applicants must now use the points-based immigration system.
Can I still apply for a Turkish Businessperson Visa?
No, new applications for the Turkish Businessperson Visa are not accepted. The route closed on 31 December 2020. Existing holders can extend their visa and apply for ILR, but Turkish nationals wishing to start a business in the UK now must apply through routes like the Innovator Founder Visa or other business visa categories under the points-based system.
How do I extend my ECAA visa?
Apply online through the gov.uk portal before your current permission expires. You must be in the UK to apply. You'll need to prove your identity (using the ID Check app or at a UKVCAS appointment), submit supporting documents proving your employment or business activity, and wait up to 6 months for a decision. There is no fee to extend an ECAA visa.
Is there a fee to extend the Turkish Worker or Businessperson visa?
No, there is no fee to apply for an extension of either the Turkish Worker Visa or Turkish Businessperson Visa. However, when you apply for ILR (settlement) after 5 years, the application fee is £3,029. British citizenship applications cost £1,630 after holding ILR for 12 months.
How long does ECAA visa extension processing take?
ECAA visa extension applications typically take up to 6 months for a decision after you submit your application and complete identity verification. Processing may take longer if UKVI needs to verify your documents or conduct an interview. You cannot travel outside the Common Travel Area while your application is pending, or it may be withdrawn.
Can I get ILR on the Turkish Worker Visa?
Yes, after 5 years of continuous residence in the UK on a Turkish Worker Visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). You must meet the Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK requirement, be able to support yourself without public funds, and not fall for refusal under general grounds. The ILR fee is £3,029.
Can my family join me on the ECAA visa?
If your family members already have dependent visas linked to your ECAA status, they can apply to extend alongside you. Children under 21 can apply as dependants. Partners may have restrictions on applying from outside the UK depending on the route. Dependants can also apply for ILR after 5 years of continuous residence and may apply for British citizenship after the main applicant becomes a citizen.
What does "child of a Turkish worker" mean?
A "child of a Turkish worker" refers to children who were granted dependent leave under the ECAA Turkish Worker route. These children have specific rights under the transitional arrangements, including the ability to extend their visa, access education, and eventually apply for settlement. Children under 21 at the time of application can apply as dependants; those over 21 may qualify if they were last granted leave as a dependent child and are not leading an independent life.
What happens if my ECAA extension is refused?
If your ECAA extension is refused, you will receive notification by email or letter explaining the reasons. You may be able to apply for an administrative review under Appendix AR of the Immigration Rules, which checks for caseworking errors in the decision. There is no direct right of appeal for ECAA extension refusals. Seeking advice from an immigration solicitor immediately after refusal is recommended.
What alternatives exist for Turkish nationals wanting to work in the UK now?
Turkish nationals who wish to work or do business in the UK now must apply through the points-based immigration system. Options include the Skilled Worker Visa (for those with job offers from licensed sponsors), Innovator Founder Visa (for entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas), Global Talent Visa (for leaders in their fields), or other work visa categories. Each has specific eligibility requirements and fees.