Policy changes for dependants of Turkish citizens
29 May 2009
The UK Border Agency has changed its policy on the dependants of Turkish citizens who are already legally in the United Kingdom.
The policy changed on 1 June 2009, when we expanded the definition of dependants who can apply for permission to extend their stay in the United Kingdom under the terms of the European Community Association Agreement (ECAA) with Turkey. The definition has been brought into line with the definition of family members under the points-based system for immigration.
A 'dependant' is now defined as the husband, wife, civil partner, unmarried partner, same-sex partner or child of a person with valid permission to stay under the ECAA.
You will be affected by this change if you made an application under the terms of the ECAA on or after 1 June 2009.
A summary of other changes to our Turkish ECAA guidance is also available in the document Summary of revised Turkish ECAA guidance (PDF 32K opens in new window).
For more information about the ECAA and the rights of Turkish citizens who are already lawfully in the United Kingdom, see the Citizens of Turkey section.