Intra-Company Transfer UK Visa Explained
Are you an American who recently secured a job offer from a UK company? If so, you'll want to know all about the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Visa process and are likely seeking UK visa advice in USA.
At Eversage Associates, we provide you with carefully crafted advice and tools to empower you at every step. Today, we'll discuss what an ICT Visa is and how to navigate the process. Please get in touch if you would like to know more, as the below overview is intended as a summary only and does not cover every circumstance.
Intra-Company Transfer Visa Requirements
An ICT Visa is a UK immigration status which permits overseas workers to relocate to the UK and undertake an eligible job at their overseas employer's UK office. There are many requirements you'll need to meet to obtain an ICT Visa, including:
The UK employer must hold a sponsor licence, and the overseas office must be registered as a 'linked entity' on the sponsor licence;
You must usually have worked for the overseas employer for at least 12 months unless your UK salary will be at least £73,900, in which case you must just be 'currently' working for them;
The UK employer must have a valid ICT Certificate of Sponsorship, which they must assign to you within the three months before your application is submitted. This Certificate of Sponsorship contains your details as well as information about your intended job and salary. Importantly, it also contains a unique reference number which you must include on your online application form.
You must earn a salary of at least £41,500 gross per annum in the UK or the 'going rate' for your intended UK job, whichever is higher;
The UK role must also be considered skilled to at least degree level, otherwise known as 'Level 6 of the Regulated Qualifications Framework'; and
You will also need to meet a financial requirement, showing that you have held at least £1,270 for the last 90 days (this amount goes up if family members are applying). Alternatively, your employer can certify this on your Certificate of Sponsorship to avoid you having to provide evidence of personal funds.
How Long You Can Stay
As for the length of stay, this of course depends on how long your employer requires you in the UK. That said, there are maximum limits on an ICT Visa:
Five years in a six-year period if paid less than £73,900 a year; or
Nine years in a ten-year period if paid £73,900 a year or more.
You can apply for up to five years in one go, or you can apply for a shorter period and extend your visa from within the UK in due course. It is important to note that an ICT Visa can never lead to settlement (permanent residence) in the UK - if this is a priority for you and/or your family, you will need to switch into the Skilled Worker Visa category, which can be done from within the UK.
How to Apply for an ICT Visa
If you're a US applicant, you'll need to apply online then attend a biometric appointment. Your supporting documents are uploaded online, apart from your original passport which must be submitted for processing. You may also bring your partner and children with you to the UK under Dependant Visas, which would allow them to live, study and work in the UK subject to few restrictions.
In total, the process can take anywhere from two weeks to three months (approximately). Working with a UK immigration lawyer in USA should assist with expediting the process substantially, and will also ensure you submit the strongest possible application.
UK Visa Advice In USA
Seeking a UK visa is complex and you should work with a highly skilled lawyer who will guide you through the process.
At Eversage Associates, we provide immigration advice which is specifically tailored to best achieve your goals. Our team's unique approach ensures you're in control throughout the process, and is design to remove the anxiety involved in visa applications.
Contact us today, and let us get to work on your personalized immigration strategy.