ICT Visa for Multinational Companies: Transfer Key Employees to UK Operations

Introduction

The UK Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Visa, now part of the Global Business Mobility (GBM) – Senior or Specialist Worker route, enables multinational companies to transfer key employees to their UK branches for temporary assignments. For global mobility teams and HR business partners, understanding the ICT Visa’s requirements and processes is crucial for seamless workforce mobility and compliance with Home Office regulations in 2025. This guide outlines eligibility criteria, application steps, benefits, and compliance strategies to support strategic employee transfers.

What is the ICT Visa?

The ICT Visa, rebranded as the Senior or Specialist Worker Visa under the GBM framework in April 2022, facilitates the transfer of senior managers, specialists, or graduate trainees from overseas branches to UK operations. It is designed for temporary assignments, offering no direct path to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) but supporting global workforce mobility for up to 5 years (or 9 years for high earners). The visa is ideal for multinationals in sectors like tech, finance, and engineering needing to deploy critical skills in the UK.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the ICT Visa in 2025, both the employee and the sponsoring company must meet specific requirements:

For Employees

1. Employment with Overseas Branch:
   
   • Long-term staff: Must have worked for the overseas company for at least 12 months, unless earning £73,900 or more annually (exemption applies).
   • Graduate trainees: Must have 3 months of employment with the overseas branch.
2. Job Role:
   
   • Senior or Specialist Worker: Roles must align with eligible occupations (typically RQF Level 6 or above) and pay at least £48,500 annually.
   • Graduate Trainee: Roles must be part of a structured training program leading to senior or specialist positions, with a minimum salary of £25,410.
3. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS):
   
   • A valid CoS from a UK sponsor with a Home Office-approved Sponsor Licence is required.
4. No English Language Requirement:
   
   • Unlike the Skilled Worker Visa, the ICT Visa does not require proof of English proficiency, simplifying the process.

HR Action: Verify employee employment history and ensure job roles meet salary and skill thresholds. Confirm CoS details align with the role and visa category.

For Companies

1. Valid Sponsor Licence:
   
   • The UK branch must hold a GBM – Senior or Specialist Worker Sponsor Licence, linked to the overseas employer through common ownership or control (e.g., parent-subsidiary relationship).
2. Proof of Business Link:
   
   • Corporate documents must demonstrate a clear connection between the UK and overseas entities.
3. Compliance Obligations:
   
   • Maintain robust HR systems for record-keeping, reporting, and Home Office audits.

HR Action: Ensure the Sponsor Licence is active and compliance systems are in place. Provide evidence of corporate structure during licence application or renewal.

Application Process

The ICT Visa application process involves coordinated efforts between global mobility teams and employees:

1. Obtain a Sponsor Licence:
   
   • If not already held, apply for a GBM Sponsor Licence (8 weeks standard processing, or 10 days with £500 priority service). Fees are £574 for small sponsors or £1,579 for large sponsors.
2. Issue a Certificate of Sponsorship:
   
   • Assign a CoS detailing the job role, salary, and duration. The CoS fee is £525 per worker (as of April 2025).
3. Submit Visa Application:
   
   • Employees apply online via the UKVI portal, submitting:
     
     • CoS reference number.
     • Passport and personal documents.
     • Proof of employment history (e.g., payslips, contract).
     • TB test results (if applicable, for certain countries).
   • Pay the visa application fee (£625–£1,423, depending on duration) and Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035 per year).
4. Attend Biometric Appointment:
   
   • Provide fingerprints and photographs at a visa application centre.
5. Await Decision:
   
   • Standard processing takes 3 weeks; priority services (if available) can reduce this to 5 working days for an additional fee.

HR Action: Guide employees through the application process, ensuring timely submission of documents. Monitor CoS issuance and visa processing to align with project timelines.

Benefits of the ICT Visa

The ICT Visa offers significant advantages for multinationals and employees:

For Companies

• Global Workforce Mobility: Transfer key personnel to support UK projects, operations, or expansions without needing a UK labour market test.
• Skill Retention: Leverage existing employee expertise, avoiding local recruitment costs.
• Operational Flexibility: Fill senior or specialist roles critical to industries like tech, finance, or engineering.
• Compliance Support: Streamlined processes with no English language requirement reduce administrative burdens.

For Employees

• Career Growth: Gain international experience in a global economic hub.
• Family Reunification: Bring eligible dependants (spouse, children) with work and study rights.
• Access to Services: Utilize the NHS and public services via the Immigration Health Surcharge.
• Visa Duration: Up to 5 years (or 9 years for high earners above £73,900), providing ample time for assignments.

HR Action: Highlight these benefits in employee communications to enhance retention and engagement during transfers.

2025 Compliance Considerations

The Home Office has tightened compliance in 2025, impacting ICT Visa processes:

• Stricter Audits: Increased scrutiny on Sponsor Licence holders, with unannounced visits to verify compliance. Non-compliance risks licence suspension.
• Digital Systems: Transition to eVisas by 31 December 2026 requires employees to set up digital accounts for visa verification.
• Reporting Duties: Report changes (e.g., job role, salary, location) within 10 working days via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
• No ILR Pathway: Employees must understand the temporary nature of the visa, with no direct route to settlement.

HR Action: Implement robust HR systems to track compliance, train staff on SMS duties, and support employees with eVisa transitions.

Challenges and Mitigation Strategies

• High Salary Thresholds: The £48,500 minimum for Senior/Specialist Workers may strain budgets. Mitigate by targeting high-value roles or leveraging Graduate Trainee routes (£25,410).
• Complex Corporate Structures: Proving UK-overseas business links can be challenging. Prepare detailed corporate documentation early.
• Processing Delays: Standard visa processing (3 weeks) may disrupt project timelines. Consider priority services for urgent transfers.
• Employee Expectations: Lack of an ILR pathway may deter long-term commitment. Communicate visa limitations clearly during onboarding.

HR Action: Budget for higher salaries, streamline documentation, and align visa timelines with project needs to minimize disruptions.

Conclusion

The ICT Visa remains a vital tool for multinational companies transferring key employees to UK operations in 2025. By mastering eligibility requirements, streamlining the application process, and prioritizing compliance, global mobility teams and HR business partners can ensure seamless transfers and operational success. Proactive planning, robust systems, and clear communication will mitigate challenges and align workforce mobility with business goals.

Disclaimer:

Immigration laws and policies change frequently and may vary by country or nationality. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we recommend doing your own due diligence or consulting official sources. You are also welcome to contact us directly for the latest guidance. Jobbatical is not responsible for decisions made based on the information provided.