The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Visa is a UK work visa designed for employees of international companies who need to be transferred to a UK branch, subsidiary, or affiliate to fill a specific role. This visa allows skilled workers to continue their employment with the same employer in the UK, without needing to apply for a new employer-sponsored visa.
Here’s an in-depth look at the Intra-Company Transfer Visa in the UK, including its requirements, benefits, and the application process.
1. What is the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Visa?
The ICT visa allows multinational companies to transfer existing employees to their UK offices. It is specifically designed for those working at a senior level or in specialized roles, as the UK government wants to ensure that foreign workers bring in the skills that are not readily available in the UK labor market.
There are two main types of ICT visas:
Short-Term ICT Visa: For employees who are being transferred to the UK for a maximum period of 12 months.
Long-Term ICT Visa: For employees who will be transferred for more than 12 months, typically up to 5 years.
2. Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the ICT visa, both the employee and the employer must meet several requirements:
For the Employee:
Employment with the overseas company: You must be employed by a company that has a branch, subsidiary, or affiliate in the UK.
Salary Requirements: You must be paid a minimum salary, which varies depending on the role:
For short-term transfers (less than 12 months), the salary must be at least £25,000.
For long-term transfers (more than 12 months), the salary must be at least £23,000, but in certain cases, such as with higher-skilled roles, a salary of £41,500 or more may be required.
Job Requirements: The job must be on the list of eligible occupations and meet the required skill level, typically at RQF Level 6 (degree level).
English Language Requirement: Unlike some other visa categories, the ICT visa does not require you to prove your English proficiency, as you are already employed by the company and transferring internally.
For the Employer:
Sponsor License: The employer must hold a valid sponsor license from the UK Home Office. The license allows the company to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) to the employee.
Job Availability: The employer must demonstrate that the position is genuine, with real work and responsibilities that justify the transfer.
3. Key Benefits of the ICT Visa
No Labor Market Test: Unlike other work visas, the ICT visa does not require the employer to prove that there are no suitable UK workers for the role.
Family Members: You can bring your dependents (spouse, partner, children) with you to the UK. They can work or study during their stay.
Path to Settlement: While the ICT visa itself does not lead directly to permanent residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain), long-term transfers (over 12 months) may allow you to switch to other visa categories, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, which can lead to settlement.
No Minimum Salary for Dependents: Your dependents can work in the UK without needing to meet a minimum salary requirement of their own.
Multiple Transfers: If you are transferred to different roles or locations within the UK branch, you can apply for an extension or another ICT visa.
4. Application Process for the ICT Visa
The process for applying for an Intra-Company Transfer Visa generally involves the following steps:
Step 1: Confirm Sponsorship
The first step is to ensure your employer is a licensed sponsor. They will issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS), which is essential for your visa application.
Step 2: Prepare Documents
You will need to gather the following documents to support your visa application:
A valid passport.
The Certificate of Sponsorship issued by your employer.
Proof of salary and your job details.
Any documents proving your employment history with the overseas company.
Bank statements or other evidence to show that you have sufficient funds (unless your employer can provide this).
Step 3: Submit the Visa Application
You can apply for the ICT visa online via the UK government’s website. After submitting your application, you will need to attend a biometric appointment (to provide fingerprints and a photo).
Step 4: Pay the Application Fees
You will need to pay the visa application fee and, if applicable, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The fees vary based on the duration of your stay and your job.
The application fee ranges from £610 to £1,423, depending on the length of your stay and whether the job is in a shortage occupation.
The IHS is usually £624 per year of your stay.
Step 5: Wait for a Decision
Once your application is submitted, you will generally receive a decision within 8 weeks. If approved, you will receive your visa and can begin making plans for your relocation to the UK.
5. Common Pitfalls and Challenges
Salary Compliance: Employers must ensure they meet the salary requirements, which can vary depending on the role and the length of stay.
Specialist Roles: The ICT visa is intended for skilled workers in specialist or managerial positions, so applying for a role that does not meet the required skill level can lead to a denial.
Limited Path to Settlement: Unlike the Skilled Worker visa, the ICT visa does not provide a direct route to permanent settlement in the UK. If you want to remain in the UK long-term, you will need to switch to another visa category, such as the Skilled Worker Visa.
6. Switching from an ICT Visa to Another UK Visa
If you hold an ICT visa and wish to stay in the UK permanently or transition to a different type of work, you can apply to switch to other visa categories, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, provided you meet the necessary criteria.
Skilled Worker Visa: If you have worked in the UK for over 12 months under the ICT visa, you can switch to a Skilled Worker visa, which allows for a pathway to permanent residency.
Other Work Visas: Depending on your role and qualifications, you may also be eligible to apply for other types of work visas or even an entrepreneurial or startup visa.
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