​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS​

Do I need a residence permit?

• All international students from countries outside Türkiye must obtain a residence permit to study in Türkiye if they plan to stay for more than three months.
• Students must also check if they need a visa to enter Türkiye. A visa is a document required for entry into the country and must be applied for before departure. It is a sticker in your passport issued by a Turkish Embassy or Consulate.
• A visa is not the same as a residence permit. A residence permit is required for staying in Türkiye and should be applied for after arrival.

How can I inform the university that I have received my residence permit card?

• Once you receive your residence permit card, send a photo of the front and back of the card to [email protected].

How can I apply for a residence permit after graduation?

• Within 10 days after your graduation date, you can apply for a short-term residence permit.
• For Master’s and Ph.D. students, the defense and graduation dates are the same.

How can I extend my residence permit?

• You can apply for an extension 60 days before your current residence permit expires. Applications can be made online at [e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr].

Can I travel outside Türkiye while my residence permit application is being processed?

• It is highly recommended that applicants do not leave Türkiye while their residence permit applications are under evaluation.
• If your application is positively evaluated, you can visit the Migration Office to receive a permission letter for travel.
• Migration Office Address: Hırka-i Şerif, Adnan Menderes Bulvarı No:64, 34091 Fatih/İstanbul.

How can I transfer my short-term residence permit to a student residence permit?

• After registering at IAU, apply for a transfer via [e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr]

Is my student residence permit still valid if I transfer to another university?

• No. According to migration regulations, you must apply for a new student residence permit if you change universities.

Can someone else submit my residence permit documents on my behalf if I am outside Türkiye?

• No. You must be in Türkiye until your application is evaluated.

How can I update the information on my residence permit if my passport details have changed?

• You must visit the Migration Management Office with your new passport

Does the expiry date on my passport matter?

• Yes, your passport must have at least 60 days of validity beyond your intended stay in Türkiye

How can I track my residence permit application status?

• You can track your application status via [e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr] under the “I like to see my application result’ menü.

What should I do if I lose my residence permit card

• If you lose your residence permit card, you must report it to the local police station and obtain a lost property report. Then, visit the Migration Office to apply for a replacement card.

Can I work in Türkiye with a student residence permit?

• Undergraduate students are not allowed to work. Graduate students (Master’s and Ph.D.) may work, but they must obtain a work permit separately.

Can I change my residence address in Türkiye without informing the Migration Office?

• No. If you change your address, you must notify the Migration Management Office within 20 days.