Understanding the Intra-Company Transfer Visa: A Complete Guide
The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Visa is a popular route for employees of multinational companies to move to the UK while working for the same employer. Whether you’re looking to transfer temporarily or move for an extended period, this visa offers a streamlined process for businesses and employees alike.
What is the Intra-Company Transfer Visa?
The Intra-Company Transfer Visa allows employees to transfer from an overseas branch of a company to its UK branch, without changing employers. This visa is ideal for large businesses operating in multiple countries that need to temporarily move staff to the UK for specialized roles.
There are two types of ICT Visas:
There are two types of ICT Visas:
- Intra-Company Transfer: For long-term transfers to the UK.
- Intra-Company Graduate Trainee: For employees on a graduate training program for managerial or specialist roles.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for an ICT Visa, applicants must meet certain conditions, including:
- Job Offer: You must have a job offer from a UK branch of your employer and hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by your company.
- The minimum salary for most roles is set according to HMRC guidelines. For Graduate Trainees, the salary is also aligned with these standards and may be adjusted as per the latest regulations.
- Skill Level: Your role must be at least at RQF Level 6, which is equivalent to a bachelor's degree or higher.
- Employment Length: You must have worked for your company overseas for a minimum period before the transfer. However, if you are earning above a certain threshold, the length of this requirement may be reduced
How Long Can You Stay on an ICT Visa?
The length of time you can stay in the UK on an ICT Visa depends on your salary and job role:
If your salary is below a certain threshold, you can stay for a set maximum period within any given timeframe.
If your salary exceeds this threshold, you may stay for a longer duration.
Graduate trainees can stay for a shorter, defined period
If your salary is below a certain threshold, you can stay for a set maximum period within any given timeframe.
If your salary exceeds this threshold, you may stay for a longer duration.
Graduate trainees can stay for a shorter, defined period
Key Benefits of the Intra-Company Transfer Visa
The ICT Visa offers multiple advantages for both businesses and employees:
- No Cooling-Off Period: Unlike other visa categories, there is no mandatory “cooling-off period,” allowing you to apply for new ICT visas or switch between assignments without having to wait.
- Flexibility for Global Businesses: Multinational companies can seamlessly move their skilled workers across borders, ensuring consistency in operations and business development.
- Family Accompaniment: You can bring your partner and children (under 18 years old) to live with you in the UK during your stay.
- Multiple Entry and Extensions: This visa allows for multiple entries into the UK and the possibility to extend your stay, within the visa’s overall time limits.
Priority services are available for faster processing, such as the 5-day priority service or the 24-hour super priority service, for an additional fee.
What Are the Limitations?
While the ICT Visa offers many benefits, there are some limitations to be aware of:
- No Path to Settlement: Unlike other visa routes, the ICT Visa does not lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). However, you can switch to other visa routes that may offer settlement options after you arrive in the UK.
- Restricted to Intra-Company Transfers: You cannot change employers while on an ICT visa. The visa is tied to your specific company.
Can You Bring Family Members?
Yes, you can bring your spouse, partner, and children under 18 with you to the UK. Each dependent will need to apply for their visa alongside yours, and you must show that you have sufficient financial resources to support them.
Steps to Apply for the Intra-Company Transfer Visa
Here is a breakdown of the visa fees:
- Get a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Your employer must provide you with a CoS, which details your job role, salary, and length of employment in the UK.
- Gather Documents: You’ll need your valid passport, CoS, proof of your salary, and evidence of your employment history with your company.
- Submit Online Application: Complete the application via the gov.uk website, pay the fees, and submit the required documents.
- Biometric Appointment: Book an appointment to submit your fingerprints and photo, or use the mobile app if available.
- Visa Processing: Most applications are processed within 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK, or 8 weeks if applying from inside the UK.
In addition to visa fees, you will need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is calculated annually for both adults and children. This charge provides access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay.
Why Choose the Intra-Company Transfer Visa?
The ICT Visa provides a simple and efficient route for businesses to transfer key employees to the UK. It’s perfect for multinational companies that need to move specialists or managers quickly and allows for both short-term and long-term assignments without the usual visa complexities.
By providing your employees with this visa, you enable them to experience life and work in the UK, benefiting from a globally recognized business environment while ensuring your company maintains its operations seamlessly across borders.
By providing your employees with this visa, you enable them to experience life and work in the UK, benefiting from a globally recognized business environment while ensuring your company maintains its operations seamlessly across borders.
Moving Forward
The Intra-Company Transfer Visa is a strategic tool for companies and professionals alike. Whether you're transferring to the UK for a long-term role or embarking on a graduate trainee program, this visa provides the flexibility and opportunity to work in one of the world’s leading business hubs.
If you need assistance or want to learn more about this visa, our expert team is here to guide you through the process, ensuring a smooth and successful application.
If you need assistance or want to learn more about this visa, our expert team is here to guide you through the process, ensuring a smooth and successful application.
