UK Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) for United Kingdom

What Is a UK Intra-Company Transfer Visa?

The UK Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Visa, now under the Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker route, allows multinational companies to transfer key employees to their UK branches for temporary assignments. This UK work visa transfer is designed for senior managers or specialists with critical skills, enabling businesses to maintain global operations. The visa is valid for up to 5 years (or 9 years for high earners), with no direct pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Jobbatical ensures your UK ICT visa aligns with 2025 Home Office regulations, streamlining the transfer process.

Benefits of a UK Intra-Company Transfer Visa

The UK ICT visa supports global workforce mobility, benefiting businesses and employees by facilitating seamless transfers to the UK.

For Businesses

• Global Workforce Mobility: Transfer key employees to UK branches to support projects or operations.
• Skill Retention: Leverage existing staff expertise without recruiting locally.
• Immigration Compliance: Jobbatical ensures applications meet Home Office and UK visa sponsorship requirements.
• Operational Flexibility: Fill senior or specialist roles critical to your UK operations.
• Competitive Advantage: Strengthen your UK presence in industries like tech, finance, and engineering.

For Employees

• Career Growth: Gain international experience in a global economic hub.
• Legal Work Authorisation: Work legally in the UK with a UK work visa transfer.
• Family Reunification: Bring your spouse and children, with work and study rights for dependents.
• Access to Services: Use the NHS and public services via the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

Types of UK Intra-Company Transfer Visas (2025)

The UK Intra-Company Transfer Visa falls under the Global Business Mobility framework, with specific routes:

• Senior or Specialist Worker Visa: For senior managers or specialists transferring to a UK branch (salary ≥ £48,500/year).
• Graduate Trainee Visa: For employees on a structured graduate training program leading to senior roles (salary ≥ £25,410/year).

Other Global Business Mobility routes (e.g., Expansion Worker, Service Supplier) may apply for specific business needs. Verify details at GOV.UK. Jobbatical helps you select the right UK ICT visa category for your transfer.

Eligibility for a UK Intra-Company Transfer Visa

To qualify for a UK ICT visa, applicants and businesses must meet the following criteria:

• Valid Sponsor Licence: The UK branch must hold a Home Office-approved UK sponsor licence.
• Job Offer: A role in the UK branch of a multinational company, meeting salary thresholds (e.g., £48,500/year for Senior or Specialist Worker).
• Employment History: At least 12 months’ employment with the company outside the UK (unless earning over £73,900/year).
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Issued by the UK sponsor, confirming the role and salary.
• English Language: Prove B1-level proficiency (unless exempt, e.g., degree taught in English).
• Financial Requirement: Show £1,270 in savings (unless employer covers costs).
• Clean Criminal Record: Required for certain roles or extended stays.

Requirements and Application Checklist for a UK ICT Visa (2025)

Here’s what you’ll need to apply:

Jobbatical provides personalized checklists and document management to streamline your UK ICT visa application.

Application Process for a UK Intra-Company Transfer Visa

1. Secure Job Offer: Confirm your role with the UK branch and obtain a CoS from your sponsor.
2. Verify Eligibility: Ensure you meet employment history, salary, and English language requirements.
3. Prepare Documents: Gather CoS, passport, employment proof, and translations (legalized if needed).
4. Apply Online: Submit the application via GOV.UK and pay the visa fee.
5. Pay IHS: Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
6. Book Appointment: Schedule a biometric appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) or UKVCAS (if in the UK).
7. Submit Biometrics: Provide fingerprints and photos at the VAC or UKVCAS.
8. Await Decision: Processing takes 3–8 weeks (or 5–7 days with priority service).
9. Receive Visa: Collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days of arriving in the UK.
10. Start Work: Begin your assignment and register with local authorities if required (e.g., police registration for some nationalities).

Where to Apply for a UK ICT Visa

• UK Visa Application Centre (VAC): Submit applications overseas via VFS Global or TLScontact.
• In-UK Application: Apply via GOV.UK and submit biometrics at a UKVCAS centre if legally in the UK.
• Sponsor Verification: Ensure your employer holds a valid UK sponsor licence and issues a correct CoS.

Appointment Details for a UK ICT Visa

• Booking: Schedule biometric appointments online via VFS Global, TLScontact, or UKVCAS. Book 1–2 months in advance due to demand.
• Timing: Apply 3 months before your planned transfer date.
• Attendance: Arrive on time with all documents, legalized/translated. Late arrivals risk cancellation.
• Biometrics: Required for visa and Biometric Residence Permit issuance.

Processing Time for a UK Intra-Company Transfer Visa

• Standard Processing: 3–8 weeks via VAC or UKVCAS.
• Priority Service: 5–7 working days (additional fee, subject to availability).
• Peak Seasons: Up to 12 weeks. Apply 3+ months in advance.

UK ICT Visa Fees (2025)

• Visa Application Fee: £719–£1,420 (depending on visa duration and category, e.g., £719 for Senior or Specialist Worker up to 3 years).
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035/year per person (mandatory for NHS access).
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): £239 per CoS for Worker routes.
• Other Costs: Document translations, legalizations, or TB tests.

Jobbatical provides a transparent cost breakdown and budgeting support for businesses and employees.

Health Insurance Info for a UK ICT Visa

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) (£1,035/year per person) is required, granting access to the NHS from day one. No additional private insurance is needed, but Jobbatical can connect you with providers for supplementary coverage if desired.

Common Mistakes That Lead to Rejections

• Incorrect or incomplete CoS details (e.g., wrong job code or salary).
• Insufficient proof of employment history with the company.
• Missing English language proof or TB test results.
• Invalid or untranslated documents.
• Failure to meet salary thresholds (e.g., £48,500/year for Senior or Specialist Worker).

Avoid these errors with Jobbatical’s document verification and expert guidance.

Why Use a Service Like Jobbatical?

Whether you’re a multinational transferring staff or an employee relocating to the UK, Jobbatical delivers:

• End-to-End Support: From CoS issuance to visa approval and BRP collection.
• Document Management: CoS, employment proof, translations, and checklists.
• Platform Tracking: Real-time updates on your UK ICT visa application status.
• Compliance Support: Ensure CoS, salary, and Home Office alignment.
• Global Expertise: Support for UK immigration and international workforce mobility.

Focus on your business or career. Let Jobbatical handle the complexities of your UK work visa transfer.

Conclusion

The UK Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Visa enables multinational companies to transfer key employees to the UK, supporting global operations and career growth. With Jobbatical’s expert guidance and resources from GOV.UK, secure your UK ICT visa confidently and thrive in the UK in 2025.

🔗 Ready to transfer to the UK? Talk to our UK expert team today to get a detailed consultation.