Studying in Turkey on a student visa can be an exciting experience. But many students panic when their visa expires. I’ve been in a similar situation and was confused about what to do. Fortunately, after learning the right steps, everything fell into place. In this article, I have prepared a guide for students whose visa has expired.
What Happens When the Visa Expires?
Continuing to stay in Turkey when a student visa expires is actually a “visa violation”. As stated on the official page of the General Directorate of Security, a visa violation means exceeding the legal period granted or using the visa for purposes other than its intended purpose. For example, if a student arriving on a 3-month visa stays for 4 months, they may have to pay a fine for the extra time. These fines vary every year, but can often be substantial. It is also essential to correct this situation before leaving Turkey to avoid paying a fine.
My advice is to take action at least 1 month before the visa expires and start collecting the necessary documents. That way you won’t panic at the last minute.
How Many Days Can I Stay in Turkey When My Visa Expires?
It is not possible to stay in Turkey “visa-free” once your visa expires. However, you can solve this situation legally by obtaining a short-term residence permit. At the end of a student visa or visa exemption in Turkey, you can apply for a short-term residence permit for up to 6 months. You can make this application by making an appointment at the provincial or district offices of the Directorate General of Migration Management. Of course, some documents are required for this (such as a photocopy of passport, photograph, proof of residence and health insurance). In short, it makes the most sense to apply through official channels to manage the process without “running away.”
When I made my first application, I forgot my passport photocopy and had to back out of the appointment, so my advice: check your documents one by one before you go to apply!
You can apply by appointment on the official website of the Immigration Authority. If a few days or weeks have passed since your visa expired, be sure to include a letter explaining the situation in your application. Usually the authorities are understanding, but I cannot guarantee every application.
What Should I Do After My Visa Expires?
You won’t be deported immediately after your student visa expires, but if you don’t take timely precautions, you may face penalties and travel bans. You can apply for a short-term residence permit either before or after your visa expires. The documents typically required for this application include: passport, biometric photograph, health insurance, address registration, and student certificate.
You can apply by making an appointment on the official website of the Immigration Authority. If your visa expires a few days or weeks later, be sure to include a statement explaining the situation with your application. Authorities are generally understanding in this regard, but I can’t guarantee this for every application.
Visa Violation Fines and the Risk of Exit Ban from Turkey
Unfortunately, staying in Turkey after your visa has expired – i.e. “staying illegally” – can result in serious sanctions. The most common consequence is a fine. The fine is set for each extra day or week of stay and is usually paid at passport control. If not paid, there may be problems re-entering the country.
Worse still, in some cases there can be a ban on re-entry for a certain period of time (e.g. 1 year or 5 years). This risk of “deportation” is particularly relevant for students who have been on the run for a long time. There is detailed information on this subject on the foreigners page of the General Directorate of Security. Therefore, it is very important that you apply for a residence permit or student visa renewal without violating your visa.
One of the funniest things that happened to me was that I paid a fine at the ATM and forgot the receipt at my appointment to extend my visa. Of course, my transactions were incomplete that day. My advice; if you paid the fine, make sure you carry the receipt with you!
Differences Between Residence Permit And Visa For Students
Staying in Turkey on a student visa and obtaining a residence permit are actually two different processes. A student visa allows you to enter Turkey and stay here as a student in the first phase. However, for longer stays (more than 1 year) you have to get a residence permit. This permit both protects your student status and guarantees your legal rights.
With a residence permit, you can legally stay in Turkey, benefit from health services and in some cases apply for a work permit. It also has a more flexible structure than a visa: Even if your visa expires, you can stay in the country legally if you have a residence permit. I didn’t understand the difference when I first arrived and realized that I actually needed to get a residence permit when I was trying to extend my visa every year. I wish someone had explained this to me back then!
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if your visa expires in Turkey?
Your legal right to stay ends. You must exit Turkey or apply for a residence permit immediately. Overstaying may lead to a fine, a re-entry ban, and/or deportation.
What if a Student visa expires?
Your lawful status to remain in Turkey as a student ceases. You must leave or apply for a different residence permit (e.g., short-term) within a short grace period, usually $10$ days.
How long do you have after your Student visa expires?
After the associated Student Residence Permit expires, you generally have a grace period of $10$ days to either leave the country or apply for an extension or a new type of residence permit.
How long is the Student visa in Turkey?
The Student Residence Permit (not the initial visa, which is usually $90$ days) is typically issued for the duration of one academic year, renewable annually until the completion of your studies.