Job Discussion Forums

tentbox · Joined: 15 Apr 2013 Posts: 4

Hello. I've signed a contract to start working at a university in Antalya in August, and am confused about the work visa / work permit process. I've sent all the necessary documents to the school, they've sent them to the Turkish Higher Board of Education, and now I'm waiting for them to be sent to the consulate in New York. According to the consulate's website ( http://konsolosluk.gov.tr/usa/en/Work_visas_and_permits.aspx ), "University instructors are exempt from work permit." What I don't understand is whether I have to go to the consulate in person to apply for a work visa, or whether it's possible to do everything through the mail. I don't live anywhere near any of the consulates, and would like to avoid paying for a trip to New York, if it all possible. I've tried calling and emailing the consulate, but no one has replied to my emails, and I can't get past the machines to a human when I call. The school says I need to talk to the embassy about this stuff. Can anyone clear this up for me or give me some advice?? Thanks!

delal · Joined: 04 Oct 2005 Posts: 251 Location: N Turkey

Hi
Might be an idea to re-word the post title to something more specific about unis as there are frequent posts about work permits in gen

tentbox · Joined: 15 Apr 2013 Posts: 4

Alright, I'll try it.

Shalana · Joined: 08 Oct 2006 Posts: 150 Location: Istanbul

I've worked at two unis - one public and one private and they both did all the work for my work permit. I'm also American. One thing you could try to get past the automated robot voices when you call is to press 0 once or twice. That often will get you through to a real person. Good luck!

The Steakinator · Joined: 13 Apr 2012 Posts: 71 Location: Oman

Just FYI, I work at a private university in Turkey and it took something like 2 or 2 1/2 months before my work visa was finally issued. The school was honest and said they had no idea how long it would take, but it was still a pain. Other teachers who work in the same city (though in different establishments) said their work permits took the same amount of time. One guy, who works at Wall Street Institute, said his took five months and he was brought here several months prior to it being issued. In his case, the good news is they haven't played games with money and have been nice to him.