Learn About the Short-Term Type
Enter the letter in parentheses on the back of your card to instantly find out the reason for your short-term residence.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
This inquiry tool is designed for SADECE Short-Term (Article 31) residence cards.
Where Can I Find the Letter?
Write the letter in parentheses on the back of your short-term residence card (e.g., E, B, or J) in the box below.
To start searching, type the letter on the card.
In Compliance with Official Regulations
This information outlines the grounds for short-term residence under the Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection (Article 31).
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SHORT ANSWER
The letter in parentheses on the back of your residence card indicates the reason your permit was issued. When you enter this letter, the tool will display your reason for stay and its legal basis.
Why are letters important?
The reason for your stay is a determining factor in applications for extensions and changes of status. Since you cannot reapply for the same purpose of stay within six months of a denial, knowing your current reason for stay directly affects your application strategy.
Similarly, how each type of permit is counted toward the long-term residence requirement also depends on this rationale.
Change type
If the purpose of your stay has changed, you must submit a new application that reflects the new purpose; the type of your current card will not change automatically.
The same logic applies when transitioning to a work permit: a valid work permit serves as a substitute for a residence permit, but the timing of this transition is important.
Which residence permit is right for you?Other information on the card
If there are errors in the information on the residence card—such as the name or mother’s name—you must apply to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management with your passport and other official documents that show the correct information to request a correction to your record and a renewal of your card.
On the work permit card, however, there is a notation code instead of a letter in parentheses. The notation indicates that the permit was issued subject to a specific condition; its meaning should be verified in the Ministry’s official list of notations.
If the card is lost, a replacement request is submitted through the relevant system; the cost of the card and, depending on the circumstances, a portion of the fee may be refunded.
This content was compiled from the FAQ text that passed official source verification on August 25, 2026. Since regulations are subject to change, you should check the relevant agency’s most recent announcement before submitting your application.