Tier 2 Intra Company Transfer (ICT) The ICT scheme is useful for multinational businesses looking to send employees from overseas branches to the UK on either a short term visits or a long term basis. The Requirements Tier 2 ICT is broken down into the following 4 subcategories: (1) Long-term staff – For the transfer of an established member of staff to fill a position for more than 12 months. The position must not be fillable by the current UK workforce.
(2) Short-term staff – This is almost identical to the Long-term Staff subcategory except that it must be for a period of less than 12 months.
(3) Graduate trainee – Allows the transfer of a recent graduate if they are part of a structured training programme leading to a managerial role.
(4) Skills transfer – this is again for graduate in need of training and acquiring a skill to take back to the workforce in the overseas branch of the company.
Switching into Tier 2 Intra Company Transfer Switching from inside the UK is possible only into Tier 2 ICT: Long Term Staff category. You cannot switch into other sub-categories of Tier 2 ICT from inside the UK. You can apply from inside the UK to switch only into the Long Term Staff subcategory. Iif you have, or were last granted, leave in one of the categories listed below you may switch: - Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer: Established Staff), under the rules in place before April 6 April 2011 - Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer), under the rules in place before 6 April 2010 - Intra Company Transfer work permit holder (except multiple entry work permits) - Representative of an Overseas Business (this includes representatives of overseas media companies) You must continue to work for the same employer named on your previous application. Reiss Edwards can provide Same Day Visa Service for switching into Tier 2 ICT: Long Term Staff category.
Extending Your Tier 2 (Intra Company Transfer) Visa You may only extend as Long term staff and for a maximum of five years in total. You will usually be granted leave for 3 years initially extendable by a further 2 years thereafter until you reach the 5 year limitation. Once you have remained for 5 years, you will be expected to return to your home country/country of residence and await 12 months before being able to reapply. If you would like Immigration Advisory Services UK to provide you with a same day appointment for a Tier 2 ICT extension, contact us today.