Starting with my previous five articles, I started a series of articles on the rules of residence permit in Turkey.

In the previous article, we discussed the basics of a long-term residence permit in Turkey.

In this article, we will focus on the remaining categories of residence permits that we have not yet told about in the previous articles:

Student residence permit.

Residence permit for humanitarian reasons.

Residence permit for victims of human trafficking.

Student residence permit

A student residence permit is granted to foreign students who are enrolled in associate’s, bachelor’s and any postgraduate degrees in Turkish universities for the duration of their educational programmes.

In addition, foreign students who are enrolled in a secondary or tertiary school, and do not hold another type of residence permit such as a family residence permit, may be granted a student residence permit provided they can prove that their education costs are covered by someone, and the joint consent of their parents is obtained.

However, student residence permits can be granted to high school and tertiary students for a maximum of one year, and can be renewed if the necessary requirements are found.

Obtaining a student residence permit in itself does not entitle the parents of foreign students to obtain a residence permit.

Foreigners who are victims of human trafficking or where there is strong circumstantial evidence that they may be victims are granted a special type of residence permit valid for 30 days.

Applicants are also required to have health insurance valid until the end of the student residence permit term.

Applicants for a student residence permit must provide a residential address during their applications.

If there is any change related to the educational institution in which the student residence permit holders are registered, the General Directorate of Migration Management must be notified of such change within 20 days.

If the registration of foreign students is suspended, their student residence permits will also be suspended.

Obtaining special student status, or enrolling in a distance study program does not entail the right to apply for a student residence permit.

Residence permits for students whose holders are unable to graduate on time must be extended for a maximum period of one year and in a manner that does not exceed the maximum period of study (for example, 7 years for a bachelor's degree).

Once foreign students officially graduate, they are required to leave Turkey within 10 days of graduation unless they apply for a short-term residence permit granted to those who wish to stay in Turkey for another 6 months upon completion of their higher education or any other residence permit, if possible.

Student residence permits can be revoked or, at least, refused to renew if the necessary requirements mentioned above have disappeared or if it is understood by the authorities that the student residence permit holders will not be able to complete their education or if it is discovered by the authorities that the student residence permits are not being used in accordance with purpose, or if a ban on entry has been imposed on foreign students, or if they are subject to a deportation order in one way or another.

Student residence permit holders can apply for a work permit and work legally in Turkey if they are enrolled in an associate's, bachelor's or any postgraduate degree.

For those enrolled in an associate or bachelor's degree, this opportunity is only possible after completing their first year with a student residence permit.

Foreign students who have also obtained a work permit will be exempted from the requirement to obtain a student residence permit to reside legally in Turkey;

However, once their work permits expire, they have to apply for a student residence permit again if they want to pursue their higher education.

Residence permit for humanitarian reasons

In some cases, the Directorate General of Migration Management may grant humanitarian residence permits for a maximum period of one year at once to foreigners without seeking the requirements of other types of residence permits.

These cases are as follows: if the best interest of the child is a concern, if aliens cannot be deported from Turkey or if their departure from Turkey is unreasonable or somewhat unfeasible, if aliens are exempted from the deportation decision, if there is a judicial appeal from Accept aliens against the decision to deport them, if the process of deportation of aliens to the first country of asylum or to a safe third country is in a waiting state and has not yet been completed.

Residence permits are canceled on humanitarian grounds and not renewed by the authorities in cases where the above-mentioned reasons no longer exist.

The authorities ex officio assess whether these reasons still exist.

Humanitarian residence permit holders must be notified of the decision to cancel or refuse to renew at least 15 days prior to the expiry date of their humanitarian residence permits.

Humanitarian residence permit holders may apply for another type of residence permit as long as they meet the requirements.

When the necessary conditions for obtaining a residence permit on humanitarian grounds are met, failure to pay any administrative fine imposed due to a previous violation of the residence permit expiration date will not prevent the issuance of a residence permit on humanitarian grounds.

Residence permit for victims of human trafficking

Foreigners who are victims of human trafficking or where there is strong circumstantial evidence that they may be victims are granted a special type of residence permit valid for 30 days.

The requirements for other types of residence permits will not be requested while the residence permit is issued to victims of human trafficking.

Residence permits for victims of human trafficking, which are intended to allow victims to have ample time to recover and be prepared to cooperate with the authorities, for periods of 6 months each, can be renewed if this appears necessary for reasons of health, safety, etc.

However, the total term should not exceed 3 years under any circumstances.

Also, this permit is canceled in cases where it is established that foreigners who are presumed victims of human trafficking, willingly communicate with the perpetrators of the crime.

It is essential that victims remain in a shelter or support center and participate in a support program with their consent during this period.

If the victims do not comply with this, their residence permits will be cancelled.