Intra-Company Routes Visa Guidance

At RVS Solicitors, our expert team of London-based immigration law specialists are dedicated to assisting businesses in relocating valued staff members to the UK seamlessly and without delay.

What is an Intra Company Transfer Visa?

The Intra-Company visa provides an excellent opportunity for overseas employees of an international company to work in a UK branch office.

In the context of Brexit, the ability of global businesses to transfer key staff from overseas to the UK may prove essential.

There are, however, several criteria which must be met to transfer a worker to the UK under these routes. In addition, the employer must have an A-rated Sponsor Licence.

How RVS Solicitors Can Help With Your Intra-Company Visa

Our immigration lawyers will partner with you to understand your business and ensure that the Intra-Company routes are the right path for you.

There are two routes within this category: the Intra-company transfer route and the Graduate Talent route. We will assist you in identifying which route suits you, after which, we will assist you with collating the necessary documentation.

Also, we will write a comprehensive covering letter to accompany your application, and assist you with your Sponsor Licence compliance requirements.

What are the types of Intra-Company routes?

Under the current scheme, there are two streams, one for established employees, and one for graduate schemes.  Long-term employees only need to have worked for the company for 12-months; however, this requirement does not apply if the individual will receive pay of more than £73,900 per year.  Graduate trainees only need to have worked with the company for a minimum of three months.

Can my company transfer a worker to the UK?

Only companies with Sponsor Licenses will be able to utilise the Intra-Company Transfer visa.  Sponsor Licenses enable businesses to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship to workers outside of the EEA who meet the required criteria.

In addition, an ‘appropriate salary’ must be paid to the transferring member of staff.  Under the long-term stream, this is currently £41,500, and for a graduate £23,000.

The applicant must also show they have £945 in personal savings (in the form of a bank or building society statement) – however, this requirement will be waived if you are a fully-approved A-rated sponsor and state on the Certificate of Sponsorship that you can provide this amount to support the employee if needed.

On application, it will also be necessary to provide evidence that the transferee is able to travel (i.e. they have a valid passport) and also their travel history for the past five years.  Evidence will also be required that the individual has worked for your company in a country other than the UK. Furthermore, if they are from a listed country, they may require a tuberculosis test.

How is the application for an Intra-Company route made?

The application for an Intra-Company Transfer Visa for all countries (except North Korea) is made online; however, it will be necessary for the employee to go to a visa application centre in their local country to have photographs and fingerprints taken.  If the application is approved, the person being transferred to the UK will be issued with a biometric residence permit, which will allow them to enter the UK.

Can I extend an Intra-Company visa?

Intra-Company visas are not indefinite, but they may be extended.  Long-term employees can remain for five years (or nine years if their annual salary is more than £73,000). If the grant was for a shorter period, then an extension is possible. 

Can an Intra-Company route visa lead to settlement in the UK?

Intra-Company Transfer Visa does not provide a path to settlement in the UK.  If the employee wishes to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) they will need to switch to another visa such as a skilled worker visa.

At RVS Solicitors, we have first-class knowledge of the intra-company routes and understand the required criteria, and the documentation needed to support an application.

Our immigration law Solicitors in London understand the importance of being able to move talented employees between international offices for specific projects.  Our team will do everything possible to achieve your objectives quickly and efficiently.

To find out more about how we can assist you with Intra-Company routes Visas, please get in touch with our London office on 020 3372 5125 or complete our online enquiry form to make an appointment. Visit our fees and timescales page here. 

To read more about similar issues please visit our blog or read about how we have helped others in similar circumstances by visiting our success stories