The Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Visa allows multinational companies to transfer employees who have worked with them for at least a year to a UK branch. This visa is often used by tech companies from countries like India to bring skilled workers to the UK to support their growing operations.
For businesses looking to expand in the UK, having the right talent in place is key. The Tier 2 ICT Visa offers a way to bring experienced workers to help meet demand. However, sending an employee to the UK is a significant investment in terms of time, money, and emotions. It’s important to fully understand the requirements and benefits of this visa to make the best decision.
Changes to the Tier 2 ICT Visa
In 2015, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) reviewed the Tier 2 ICT Visa and recommended changes. These led to the closure of two sub-categories: Skills Transfer and Short-Term Staff. Today, there are two main sub-categories with different eligibility criteria:
- Long-Term Staff: This allows for stays of up to five years and one month (or up to nine years for high earners, £120,000+).
- Graduate Trainee: This is for employees who are being transferred for training purposes, with a maximum stay of 12 months.
Eligibility for the Sponsoring Company
The company wishing to transfer an employee must meet several requirements:
- The company must have a valid Tier 2 Sponsor Licence and maintain compliance with immigration rules.
- The company must offer the employee an appropriate salary, which is at least £41,500 for long-term staff and £23,000 for graduate trainees.
Additionally, the company must provide evidence of the employee’s work history (such as an employment contract and payslips) and, if applicable, a letter of support to show they can cover the employee’s initial living costs for the first month in the UK.
Eligibility for the Employee
For the employee, the following criteria must be met to apply for a Tier 2 ICT Visa:
- They must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from their employer.
- They must meet the salary requirements for the job.
- They must show proof of personal savings (£945) and extra funds if they bring dependents.
- They must provide evidence of employment history showing at least 12 months with the company.
- If required, they must provide a tuberculosis test and travel history.
Benefits of the Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer Visa
The Tier 2 ICT Visa has many advantages for both companies and employees:
- Companies can bring skilled workers to help with specific projects or to set up new departments.
- Employees can live and work in the UK and enjoy the country’s rich culture, as well as easy access to Europe.
- The visa is valid for up to five years (or nine years for high earners), giving employees ample time to explore both personal and professional opportunities.
- Employees and their families can eventually apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK.
How Law and Visas Can Help
At Law and Visas, we can help both employers and employees navigate the Tier 2 ICT Visa process. Applying for a visa can be complicated and time-consuming, so letting an expert handle the application can save you time and reduce stress.
Our experienced team of lawyers has helped many businesses successfully transfer employees to the UK. We are proud of our reputation and five-star ratings, offering our clients confidence that their immigration needs are in good hands.
To learn more about how the Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer Visa can help your company, contact Law and Visas today.
