Express Entry from Turkey

Overview for Turkish Applicants

Turkey is a growing source country for Canadian immigration, with the Turkish Canadian community steadily expanding. Turkish applicants are typically well-educated professionals with backgrounds in engineering, technology, business, and academia. Canada's stable economy, multicultural environment, and quality of life attract Turkish professionals seeking international opportunities.

Turkish applicants commonly enter Express Entry through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, with a growing number using the Canadian Experience Class after studying at Canadian universities.

Eligibility Requirements

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)

• Work experience: One year of continuous full-time skilled work in the past 10 years
• Language ability: Minimum CLB 7 in English or French
• Education: Post-secondary credential with an ECA
• Selection grid: Minimum 67 out of 100

Sector Strengths

• Engineering: Civil, mechanical, electrical, and industrial engineering
• Technology: Software development, telecommunications
• Business: International trade, management, finance
• Academia: University research and teaching
• Healthcare: Medicine, dentistry, pharmacy
• Architecture: Urban planning and architectural design

Language Tests Available in Turkey

IELTS (General Training)

IELTS is widely available in Turkey:

• Istanbul: Multiple centres across the city
• Ankara: Test centres available
• Izmir, Antalya, Bursa, Adana: Periodic test sessions

PTE Core

PTE Core centres operate in Istanbul and Ankara.

French Language Tests

Alliance Francaise and Institut Francais centres in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir offer TEF and TCF. Turkey has a tradition of French education in some Galatasaray-type lycees, and some Turkish applicants already have French ability.

Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

Turkish Education System

• Four-year bachelor's degrees (Lisans): Assessed as equivalent to Canadian bachelor's degrees
• Two-year master's degrees (Yuksek Lisans): Assessed at Canadian master's level
• Doctoral degrees (Doktora): Assessed at Canadian doctoral level
• Two-year associate degrees (On Lisans): Assessed below bachelor's level

Turkish universities, especially top-ranked institutions like METU, Bogazici, Bilkent, and ITU, are well-recognized internationally.

ECA Process

• WES: Requires transcripts and diploma sent from your Turkish institution. Documents in Turkish need certified translation.
• IQAS: Also accepts Turkish credentials

Documents Specific to Turkey

Police Clearance Certificate

Turkish applicants need an Adli Sicil Belgesi (Judicial Record):

1. Apply online through the e-Devlet (e-Government) portal or at the local courthouse
2. Processing: Available immediately through the e-Government portal
3. For Turks abroad: Apply through the Turkish consulate

This is one of the fastest and most efficient police certificate processes globally.

Medical Examination

IRCC panel physicians in Turkey:

• Ankara: Several designated clinics (Ankara also handles Canadian visa processing for nearby countries)
• Istanbul: Panel physicians available

Additional Documents

• Nufus Cuzdani or Turkish ID card: Identity document
• Birth certificate: From the civil registry
• Marriage certificate: If applicable
• Military service certificate: Male applicants must show completed or exempted military service
• Employment reference letters: Translated into English

CRS Score Tips for Turkish Applicants

Typical CRS Profile

• Age: 27-35 years
• Education: Bachelor's or master's degree
• Work experience: 3-7 years in engineering, tech, or business
• IELTS: 6.5-7.5 overall
• CRS score: 430-470 (single applicant)

How to Improve Your CRS Score

1. Focus on English scores: Intensive IELTS preparation is key. Many Turkish applicants have solid English foundations from university education.

2. Leverage French: French-language lycee graduates have an immediate advantage. Others can study French at Alliance Francaise centres.

3. Provincial Nominee Program: Ontario, BC, and Atlantic provinces offer PNP pathways suitable for Turkish professionals.

4. Master's degree: Many Turkish professionals already hold master's degrees from strong universities.

5. STEM category draws: Engineers and tech professionals may benefit from targeted draws.

Settlement in Canada

Turkish Communities Across Canada

• Toronto and GTA (Ontario): Largest Turkish community in Canada, with Turkish restaurants, mosques, and cultural centres
• Montreal (Quebec): Growing Turkish community
• Vancouver (BC): Smaller Turkish community
• Ottawa (Ontario): Turkish community with embassy connections

Cultural Organizations

• Turkish Canadian community associations: Active in Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa
• Turkish cultural centres and mosques: Community gathering points
• Turkish consulates: In Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal
• Settlement agencies: Providing Turkish-language support in Toronto

Key Resources

• Express Entry overview — IRCC
• Police certificates — Turkey
• Canadian Embassy in Turkey
• WES — World Education Services
• IELTS — Book a test