Intra-Company Transfers ICT Visa: Moving Employees Within Your Global Business

Expanding your business internationally often requires transferring skilled employees between offices in different countries. The UK Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) visa, now part of the Global Business Mobility (GBM) – Senior or Specialist Worker route, allows multinational companies to relocate key staff to their UK branches.

In this guide, we’ll cover:
What the ICT visa is and who qualifies
The application process and requirements
Key benefits and considerations for employers

What is the UK Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Visa?

The Intra-Company Transfer visa, now rebranded under the Global Business Mobility (GBM) visa, is designed for multinational companies looking to transfer employees to their UK branches for a temporary period.

This route is primarily for:

• Senior managers or specialist employees required in the UK branch.
• Those who have worked for the overseas branch for at least 12 months (unless earning over £73,900 annually).

Key Features:

• No requirement for an English language test.
• Visa duration of up to 5 years (or 9 years for higher earners).
• Allows employees to work, but not to switch to permanent UK residence (Indefinite Leave to Remain).

Who is Eligible for an Intra-Company Transfer?

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be employed by an overseas company linked to a UK business.
• Have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK-based sponsor.
• Earn at least £45,800 per year (£73,900 for those staying under 12 months).

Note: Unlike the Skilled Worker visa, the ICT route does not lead directly to settlement in the UK.

Read Also: Understanding Business Law Compliance for Small Businesses in the UK

Application Process for an ICT Visa

Sponsorship & Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) – The UK employer must be a licensed sponsor and issue a valid CoS.
Online Application & Fees – Submit the visa application through the UK government portal.
Biometric Appointment – Provide fingerprints and photographs.
Decision & Processing Time – Standard processing takes 3 weeks, but priority services are available.

Visa Fees & Costs

• Application Fee: £625 – £1,423 (depending on visa length).
• Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per year.

Benefits for UK Businesses

Flexible workforce mobility – Easily move key personnel between global branches.
No skill shortage concerns – Bring specialized talent without needing a UK labour market test.
Fast processing times – Enables quick workforce deployment.

For further advice please get in touch with our team today by calling 020 8538 0182 or +44 7857 809932, or you can email us on [email protected].

Please note these blogs are to enhance your knowledge and are not tailored advice, for specific advice please get in touch with our outstanding team.