UK Intra-Company Transfer Visa In 2025

Welcome to UK Immigration Navigator, in this article we will cover UK Intra-Company Transfer Visa: A 2025 Guide for Global Talent. If you are an employee of a multinational company and your employer needs you to work in their UK branch or subsidiary, the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) visa might be the right route for you.

This visa allows skilled workers to temporarily transfer to the UK to fill a specific role, bringing valuable skills and expertise to the UK workforce. As we look toward 2025, it’s crucial to understand the requirements and processes to ensure a smooth transition. This article will summarise the essentials, providing a comprehensive guide to navigating the UK ICT visa in the coming year.

What is the UK Intra-Company Transfer Visa?

The Intra-Company Transfer visa is a category within the UK’s immigration system designed to facilitate the movement of employees within multinational companies. This visa allows eligible employees of overseas branches or subsidiaries to transfer to the UK branch for specific work assignments. It is primarily intended for roles that require specialist knowledge, skills, or expertise not readily available in the UK workforce.

Key Changes and Considerations for 2025

While the core structure of the ICT visa is expected to remain stable, it’s essential to be aware of possible updates. Here are key considerations as we approach 2025:

Potential Policy Adjustments: UK immigration policies are subject to change, even if they are small. Always refer to the most current guidance on the UK government website.
Visa Processing Times: Numerous factors can affect processing times, including application volumes and government policies. Check the current estimates closer to your application date.
Emphasis on Genuine Transfer: The Home Office is focused on ensuring these transfers are genuine assignments, not simply a means of circumventing other immigration routes. Ensure your employer can prove that this assignment is temporary and genuinely necessary for the business.
Sponsor Compliance: Employers sponsoring employees on an ICT visa must maintain strict compliance with their sponsor licence requirements. They should be aware of any new regulations.
Digital Immigration Systems: UK Visa application systems are continuously being upgraded. Make sure you understand the new digital systems before starting your application.

Eligibility Criteria for the ICT Visa

To qualify for the ICT visa, both the employee and the sponsoring company must meet specific criteria.

For the Employee (the person applying for the visa):

Overseas Employment: You must currently be employed by a company that is linked to the UK entity through a parent-subsidiary relationship, a branch relationship, or another genuine link.
Length of Employment: You must have worked for the overseas company for at least 12 months, continuously, unless you are a high earner. You must have been employed for at least 3 months to qualify as a high earner.
Genuine Assignment: The role you’re transferring to must be a genuine one, with a real business need for your skills and expertise.
Job Skill Level: Your job must meet a specific skill level, usually a graduate-level role or equivalent (Regulated Qualification Framework level 6 or above).
Salary Requirement: The salary for your UK role must meet the minimum salary requirements set by the Home Office for your occupation code, this is usually at least £38,000 per annum. Different salary levels are depending on the specific occupation. It is important to verify what the salary requirements are for your specific role.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Your UK employer must assign you a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
No Criminal Record: You must not have a criminal record which might affect your application.
Tuberculosis Test: If required by your country of origin, you’ll need to undergo a TB test.

For the Sponsoring UK Company:

Valid Sponsor Licence: The UK company must hold a valid sponsor licence with the Home Office and hold the appropriate permissions to assign CoSs.
Genuine Link to Overseas Entity: The UK company must be genuinely linked to the overseas entity that employs the person, through a parent-subsidiary, branch or other appropriate business relationship.
Compliance: The company must fully comply with its sponsor’s duties and obligations.

Types of Intra-Company Transfers

The ICT visa has two main subcategories:

Long-term Staff: This route is for employees who are transferring to the UK for more than 12 months. This is the most common type of ICT visa.
Graduate Trainee: This route is for employees who are transferring to the UK as part of a structured training program, usually for specific graduate or management positions. The salary threshold is lower for Graduate Trainee applications.

The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

A valid CoS is an essential requirement for the ICT visa. It’s a digital reference number that your sponsoring UK employer obtains from the Home Office. The CoS confirms that the UK employer has the necessary sponsorship licence and permission to sponsor your application. The CoS also confirms the job, the salary and other relevant information for your application.

The Application Process: Step-by-Step

Obtain a CoS: Your UK employer needs to assign you a valid CoS before you can apply for a visa.
Gather Your Documents: Collect all the necessary documents, including your passport, employment history, and any other evidence requested by the Home Office, such as proof of your relationship with the employing company.
Online Application: Fill out the online visa application form on the UK government website. Ensure that all information is accurate and matches the information on your CoS.
Pay the Application Fee: You will need to pay the visa application fee online.
Immigration Health Surcharge: You will need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fee to have access to healthcare in the UK.
Book an Appointment: Book an appointment at a visa application centre (VAC) in your country to submit your biometric data and your passport.
Attend the Appointment: Attend your appointment with all your supporting documentation.
Wait for a Decision: Wait for your visa application to be processed. Processing times vary, so check the latest guidelines on the UK government website.
Collect Your Visa: Upon approval, you will be issued with your visa which is usually a vignette placed within your passport. You will use this to enter the UK.

Key Documents You May Need to Submit

Valid passport.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number.
Proof of employment with the overseas company.
Evidence of your work history.
Evidence of qualifications or relevant work experience.
Proof of finances to support yourself.
Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate (if required).
Any other supporting documents requested by the Home Office.

Navigating Potential Challenges

CoS Issues: Ensure that your CoS details match your application, if there are any errors on your CoS this may cause your visa application to be rejected.
Salary Requirements: Verify that your UK salary meets the minimum requirement for your occupation, this is important, as the minimum salary requirement is constantly reviewed.
Company Linkage: The link between the UK and overseas companies must be clear and genuine. Evidence of the business relationship will need to be provided.
Immigration History: Past visa refusals or breaches of immigration law can affect your application.
Changes to Immigration Rules: Be aware of any new requirements and comply with the latest guidance.

Extending Your ICT Visa

The ICT visa is a temporary visa with a time limit dependent on the type of application. If your assignment is extended, or you need to remain in the UK, you can apply to extend your ICT visa as long as you remain eligible. You will need to apply for a further CoS from your sponsoring employer. The maximum time you can spend in the UK using the ICT visa is 5 years in any 6 years, or 9 years in any 10 years depending on your circumstances.

Switching to Another Visa

It is possible to switch to a Skilled Worker visa from the ICT visa if you fulfil the eligibility criteria for the skilled worker visa. There are some restrictions, so always ensure you seek up-to-date advice.

FAQ

Q: Can family members join me in the UK on an ICT visa?
A: Yes, your eligible family members (partners and children) can apply for visas to accompany you to the UK.

Q: Can I switch to another job while on an ICT visa?
A: No, the ICT visa is tied to your sponsoring employer. You cannot switch to another employer. If you change company, you will need to apply for a new visa with your new sponsoring employer.

Q: How long does it take to process the ICT visa?
A: Processing times vary, but typically take a few weeks. Check the UK government website for the most current estimates.

Q: Is there an English language requirement for the ICT visa?
A: No, generally there is no English language requirement for the ICT visa

Q: Can I apply for permanent residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain) on this visa?
A: No, the ICT visa is not a direct route to permanent residency in the UK. You may be able to switch to a visa route which leads to ILR in the future.

Q: Are the ICT visa points based?
A: No the ICT visa does not operate on the points-based system, it operates on rules of eligibility and compliance.

Final Thoughts

The UK Intra-Company Transfer Visa provides a valuable route for skilled professionals to work in the UK. By staying informed of the eligibility requirements, gathering all necessary documentation, and adhering to the latest guidelines, you can ensure your transition is as smooth and successful as possible. Always seek guidance if you encounter any complex situations. The opportunity to gain experience in the UK can be beneficial for your personal and professional development.