Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer Visa

Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer Visa Application

The Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility), Formerly Tier 2 Intra Company Transfer (ICT) visa route is used by multinational organisations to transfer skilled employees from an overseas office, subsidiary or sister company to fill a post in the UK which cannot be filled by a locally recruited employee. This route is mainly used by tech companies, such as Indian IT giant, Tata Consultancy Services.  However, the policies introduced by the UK government such as the Immigration Skills Charge and minimum income thresholds makes it increasingly difficult for companies to transfer talent to the UK for projects.  As the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) continues to make regular changes to the Points Based System, it is becoming increasingly important for businesses to keep well-informed of immigration developments to ensure that they are aware of the latest changes.

At A Y & J Solicitors, our multi-lingual staff assist employers with obtaining a  Tier 2 Sponsor Licence and support employees who wish to apply to enter Britain on the Global Business Mobility route so they can work on special projects, further their careers, and have a chance to explore Britain

The categories of Global Business Mobility Visa are:

• Senior or Specialist Worker – this is for the transfer of skilled workforce for a period of between 12 months and five years, where a post cannot be filled. To qualify, the foreign employee must have worked for the foreign branch of the multinational company for at least 12 months and receive a salary of at least £42,400 or the appropriate rate for that occupation as set out in the Code of Practice, whichever is higher.
• Graduate Trainee – for specialist roles on a graduate trainee program. Transferees must be recent graduates with at least three months experience in a foreign branch of the multinational and the salary threshold is £23,100.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for a Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer Visa?

 To apply for a Global Business Mobility Visa, you will need to possess the following:

• A valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from an employer with a Tier 2 Sponsor Licence
• An ‘appropriate salary’ for your job
• Personal savings of £945 so you can support yourself when you arrive in the UK (unless the Sponsor certifies maintenance on your CoS)
• Tuberculosis test results (if applicable)
• Proof you have worked for your employer outside the UK
• English language

An appropriate salary is a minimum salary required for the type of visa you are applying for or the appropriate rate for your job type, whichever is higher. The minimum salary for long-term staff is £42,400.  Graduate trainees must be paid a minimum of £23,100.

How Do I Apply for a Tier 2 Intra-company Transfer Visa?

Applications for a Global Business Mobility Visa (formerly Tier 2 Intra-company Transfer visa) are made online and supported by original documentation (to be uploaded online as opposed to providing original documents in person) and biometric information. It is recommended that any visa application should be prepared diligently. A visa refusal will not only disturb your plan to move to the UK but cost time, money and energy in rectifying mistakes. It will also impact your immigration history.  Our corporate immigration lawyers can assist you, and your organisation to apply for your visa swiftly and cost-effectively.

What Documents Will I Need to Provide to Enter the UK via the Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer Route?

Supporting documentation is extremely important to any visa application.  For a Global Mobility Business Visa (formerly Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer Visa), you will need to provide (note, this list is not exhaustive):

• A CoS reference number
• A bank or building society statement or letter that shows you have £945 maintained for 90 days always and al least in savings (unless your certificate of sponsorship shows your sponsor will certify maitenance)
• A current valid passport or travel document to prove you can travel
• Proof you have been working for your employer for the required amount of time.
• Proof from your sponsoring employer that you will be paid an appropriate salary.

What Are the Advantages of a Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer Visa?

The Global Business Mobility (formerly Intra-Company Transfer) route provides enormous advantages for both the visa holders and the sponsoring company.  It means organisations based overseas can send experienced staff to the UK to work on high-value, complex projects, and train in-country staff.  Visa recipients have the opportunity to live and work in the UK and bring their family to join.

Also, you can study and do voluntary work while you are in the UK, with some restrictions.

How A Y & J Solicitors Can Help if Your Tier 2 Intra Company Transfer Application Has Been Refused?

The refusal of your Global Business Mobility Visa (formerly Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) Visa) does not attract rights of appeal, and the following legal pathways are available:

• Submit a new application;
• Lodge an Administrative Review; or
• Commence Judicial Review

If your application for a Global Business MobilityVisa (formerly Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer Visa) is refused, our team can assist you with working out the best option for you moving forward.

How A Y & J Solicitors Help with the Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer Visa applications?

We are a highly experienced business immigration law firm, and we have a proven track of success in helping businesses and their employees with their visa applications.  Our team regularly works with multi-national corporations from around the world, assisting them with moving staff to the UK to assist with large projects.

Having extensive experience in the field, we can manage a Global Business Mobility (formerly intra-company transfer) visa application from beginning to end. Business can be confident that by instructing us to assist with Sponsor Licence applications and Global Business Mobility (formerly Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer) Visas, your company can be fully compliant with Sponsor Licence duties and responsibilities.