What is a Student Residence Permit?
A student residence permit is a type of residence permit that allows foreign students enrolled in an educational institution in Turkey to legally reside in Turkey. This permit Article 38 of Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection regulated within the scope of
Foreigners studying at a university, high school or other educational institution in Turkey can legally stay in Turkey by obtaining a student residence permit. This permit is valid for the duration of the student’s education and can be extended if necessary.
Student Residence Permit Application Requirements
In order to obtain a student residence permit, the following conditions must be met:
- The student is enrolled in an educational institution in Turkey.
- Attending a full-time education program.
- Have a valid passport or passport substitute.
- Be financially capable and be able to document their ability to earn a living.
- Having a valid health insurance in Turkey.
- There is no violation of public order and security.
Students who meet these requirements can apply for a student residence permit.
Documents Required for Student Residence Permit
The following documents must be submitted during the student residence permit application:
- Residence permit application form
- Valid passport or passport substitute
- 4 biometric photographs
- Student certificate (must be obtained via E-Government or from the university)
- Fully comprehensive health insurance
- Proof of financial qualification (bank account statement, scholarship certificate, etc.)
- Proof of residence address
- Residence fee payment receipt
The complete preparation of these documents is important for the positive outcome of the application.
Student Residence Permit Application Process
Student residence permit applications are evaluated by the Ministry of Interior Directorate General of Migration Management. The application process consists of the following steps:
Online Application: An appointment is made by filling out the application form through the e-residency system.
Making an Appointment After the application is submitted, an appointment is made for the applicant by the Migration Management.
Preparation of Required Documents: On the day of the appointment, the applicant must submit his/her documents in full.
Payment of Residence Fee and Card Fee: The student residence permit fee must be paid and the receipt must be submitted at the time of application.
Migration Management Assessment: After reviewing the documents, the applications are approved and the student is issued a residence permit card.
Student Residence Permit Duration and Renewal Procedures
The student residence permit is granted depending on the duration of study.
- Residence permits for bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral students can be issued for the duration of their studies.
- Students enrolled in language courses are usually granted a 1-year residence permit.
A renewal application must be submitted 60 days before the residence permit expires. If the renewal application is not submitted, the student cannot legally stay in Turkey and may face the risk of deportation.
Reasons for Denial of a Student Residence Permit
Student residence permit applications may be rejected or canceled in certain circumstances. The most common reasons for refusal are:
- Submission of incomplete or false documents.
- Leaving or deregistration from the educational institution where the student is enrolled.
- The applicant has a previous visa or residence violation in Turkey.
- Failure to meet financial eligibility requirements.
- There is a threat to public order.
In such cases, the applicant can exercise the right of appeal or defend his/her right by applying to an administrative court.
Revocation of Student Residence Permit and its Consequences
A student residence permit can be revoked in some cases. Reasons for revocation include the following:
- The student interrupts his/her education or is dismissed from the school.
- The applicant’s departure from Turkey.
- Violation of residence permit conditions.
- The applicant has been involved in a crime.
Persons whose residence permit has been revoked may face deportation if they do not leave Turkey within the specified period.
Student Residence Permit Appeals and Legal Procedures
When a student residence permit is refused or revoked, the applicant can follow these steps
- Administrative Appeal: The applicant can apply to the Migration Management with an official petition and request a reconsideration of the decision.
- Application to Administrative Court: After objecting to the rejection decision, the legal process can be initiated by applying to the court.
- Seeking Legal Assistance: It may be useful to seek the support of an immigration lawyer for the legal process to proceed more smoothly.
Student residence permit is a permit that allows foreign students studying in Turkey to stay in the country legally. The application process is subject to certain conditions and documents, and the process must be followed meticulously.
In order for applications to be accepted, it is of great importance that the necessary documents are complete, the material and legal conditions are met and the application is submitted on time. In case of rejection, it is possible to protect the rights by appealing through legal means.
If you are having problems with your student residence permit, you can manage your process more effectively by getting professional legal support.
