Intra-Company Transfer Visa

There are some general visa requirements for the ICT Visa which are similar to the Skilled Worker Visa requirements. These include:

• The employer must hold a Sponsor Licence
• The employer must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship to the employee
• The role must be one that is on the eligible occupation list
• The employee must be paid at least £41,500 per year
• The employee must be working in a job that is adequate to their level of ability
• The employee must show that they have adequate finances

When submitting your application, you should be confident that you meet the eligibility requirements for your individual circumstances.

Business must prove that a genuine vacancy exists and that there is a need for the individual to work in the role.

They may be contacted by the Home Office to show that there is a genuine business need for this new position, that the job description is realistic and has not been exaggerated, or that the position is not incompatible with the operations of the broader business.

While the Resident Labour Market Test is no longer a requirement for businesses seeking to hire companies using the ICT Visa category, there is still a need to show that the need for the position exists and is not exaggerated.

Job skill

To be eligible for the ICT Visa, the applicant should hold a highly skilled role. The UK’s Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) categorises qualifications and the visa applicant should hold an equivalent of RQF6 (Bachelor’s degree or higher).

Salary requirement

The applicant must have worked for the overseas business for at least 12 months, or they should be paid at least £73,900 if they have been there for under 12 months.

The minimum salary that a person on an ICT Visa must receive is £41,500 or the going rate for the profession – whichever figure is higher.

There are some limited situations where a person can switch to the ICT Visa. There are eligibility requirements that you must meet.

You may not switch from the ICT Graduate Trainee Visa to the ICT Visa inside the UK. You should not travel outside the UK until you receive a decision on your application.

If the following situations apply to you, you cannot apply to switch to the ICT Visa:

• You hold a Visitor Visa
• You are on a short-term Student Visa or the Parent of a Child Student Visa
• You are a seasonal worker or domestic worker on a private household visa
• You are on immigration bail
• You were given leave to remain outside immigration rules (e.g., on compassionate grounds)

In order to switch your visa category, you will need to provide proof of your identity and complete an online application form.

When applying for the ICT Visa, you will need to prepare and submit the following documents:

• Certificate of Sponsorship number
• Valid passport or travel document with a blank page for your stamp (front and back)
• Your job title and annual salary
• The occupation code of your job
• Your employer’s name and Sponsor Licence number
• Evidence of personal savings
• Proof of personal relationship with any applying dependents
• Tuberculosis test results (where relevant)
• Evidence that you have worked for your employer outside the UK (ICT Visa)
• Evidence of your graduate training programme (ICT Graduate Trainee Visa)

You should submit your application online for the Intra-Company Transfer Visa at the Gov.uk website.

You will also be asked to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and a facial photograph) either at an in-person visa application centre or using a smartphone app.

Fees

There are a number of fees involved in the ICT Visa application. The standard fee will be between £625 and £1,423, depending on your situation.

There is also an immigration healthcare surcharge to pay (£624 annually), and you will generally be required to prove that you can support yourself with funds of at least £1,270.

Applying from outside the UK

• Intra-Company Transfer (up to three years): £625
• Intra-Company Transfer (more than three years): £1,235

Extending or switching the visa inside the UK

• Intra-Company Transfer (up to three years): £719
• Intra-Company Transfer (more than three years): £1,423

Waiting time

In the majority of cases, if you have applied online and proven your identity, you will generally receive a decision within three weeks.

If the Home Office requires further information to make a decision, your waiting time may be longer. It is important to submit a comprehensive application that meets all the eligibility requirements

It may be possible to pay extra for a priority service in order to receive a decision within five working days.