International students have been increasingly attracted to Turkey because of its cheap education, rich culture and its strategic location between Europe and Asia. Since students are making plans after graduation, long-term residency and employment opportunities are a concern to many. The question that is most often asked is: Can international students get a Blue Card in Turkey?
We constantly take such decisions with students at Studylead Consultants and make them realize what they have to choose and feel confident about their choice. In this blog, we deconstruct all that you need to be aware of the Blue Card in Turkey, and its applicability to international students.
What is the Blue Card in Turkey?
The Blue Card (Mavi Kart) in Turkey is a special status granted to former Turkish citizens who have renounced their citizenship, usually to acquire another nationality. It enables them to enjoy numerous rights like Turkish nationals including:
- Residing and working in Turkey illegally.
- Owning property
- Availability of education and health services.
Nevertheless, one should know that the Blue Card is not a universal working or residence permit of foreigners. The design is specifically targeted to people, whose origin is Turkish.
Can International Students Apply for a Blue Card?
The brief is: No, international students are not direct applicants of a Blue Card in Turkey unless they have certain eligibility criteria.
To be eligible to a Blue Card you must:
- Have been a Turkish citizen previously.
- Have officially renounced the citizenship of Turks with permission.
- Be able to prove your previous citizenship status
The Blue Card is not typically an option to most international students, since the majority of them are not in this category.
What Are the Alternatives for International Students?
Although the Blue Card is not an option, Turkey has a number of other options that international students can take to continue staying and working after they have studied.
1. Work Permit
International students may request a work permit after graduation provided that they have a job offer by one of the Turkish employers. The application process is normally instigated by the employer.
Key points:
- You must have a valid residence permit
- Application is made on your behalf by the employer.
- Ministry of Labor is the approver.
2. Residence Permit Extension
Students will be able to prolong their residence in Turkey by replacing a student residence permit with:
- Short-term residence permit
- Family residence permit (as appropriate)
This enables the use of more time in searching the job prospects or in carrying out business.
3. Turkish Citizenship Pathway
In other instances, foreign students can become Turkish citizens in due time by:
- Long-term residence
- Investment
- Marriage
After obtaining and subsequently revoking citizenship (where applicable), this can be achieved only at that point after which a person may be eligible to receive a Blue Card, but this is an unlikely and far-off situation.
4. Internship and Graduate Opportunities
Turkey has been increasing chances of international graduates. Most universities are partnering with businesses to offer:
- Internships
- Graduate trainee programs
- Job placement assistance
They can serve as stepping stones to being granted a full time work permit.
Why the Confusion Around the Blue Card?
Turkey has a Blue Card which is a work and residence permit of highly skilled professionals in Europe, which many students mix up with the Blue Card of Turkey. The Blue Card in Turkey is totally the opposite, and is not grounded on professional qualification, but the history of citizenship.
This difference is important to comprehend in order not to be misinformed and organize your future.
Tips for International Students Planning to Stay in Turkey
In case you want to establish a future in Turkey, here are some tips that may be useful:
- Begin job hunting at least in your last year.
- Establish a good local network with internships and network.
- Study simple Turkish to enhance employability.
- Stay updated on immigration laws as policies may change
- Get professional advice to make no errors.
In Studylead Consultants, we assist students not only in obtaining an admission but also strategising their long-term plan of career and settlement.
Final Thoughts
Although, the Blue Card in Turkey is not a possibility of the vast majority of international students, there is still much to offer to remain, work and develop in the country after graduation. It is important to know the proper channels, e.g. work permits and residence options, in order to make informed decisions.
At Studylead Consultants, our purpose is to help students throughout their career, starting with the selection of the appropriate university and continuing with the creation of a successful career in a foreign country. Should you wish to study or even establish yourself in Turkey, professional advice is the order of the day.