Last update: 24 December 2024
The Intra-company Transfer Visa also referred to as the Tier 2 ICT visa, was replaced by the Senior or Specialist Worker visa under the new Global Business Mobility scheme, which launched on 11th April 2022. For those with a valid ICT visa, it is still possible to apply for an extension, however, there are some new limitations, as we discuss below. Alternatively, existing ICT visa holders who wish to stay longer in the UK can apply under the new Global Business Mobility visa scheme or for a different type of visa entirely (e.g. a Skilled Worker visa). It is essential that anyone considering applying for an ICT visa extension does so before their existing ICT visa expires.
ICT Visa extension requirements
To extend your existing valid ICT visa, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Have a new Certificate of Sponsorship from your existing employer
- Your existing occupation code must not be one of those recently removed by the Home Office from the eligible list of occupations1 (see below)
- You must have the same job you held when you last received permission to enter or stay in the UK on an ICT visa
- Your job must be on the same occupation code as when you last received permission to enter or stay in the UK on an ICT visa
- You must still be working for the employer who gave you your current Certificate of Sponsorship (cos)
- You must still meet the minimum salary requirements: at least £41,500 or the ‘going rate’ for your job.
- Your sponsor must still hold a suitable and valid sponsorship licence
- You must not have reached the maximum total stay
Occupation codes removed from the list of eligible occupations
The Home Office recently removed the following occupations from the eligible list:
- 3411: Artists
- 3412: Authors, writers, and translators
- 3413: Actors, entertainers, and presenters
- 3414: Dancers and choreographers
- 3422: Product, clothing, and related designers
If you have a job with one of these standard occupation codes (SOC), you will not be able to extend your ICT visa.
If you are a current ICT visa holder and you wish to stay longer in the UK, we can explain the options available based on your individual circumstances and recommend the best approach to meet your needs. Speak to our immigration lawyers for a free telephone consultation on 020 3744 2797 or complete our enquiry form.
How long you can stay in the UK with an ICT visa extension
If you are considering a Tier 2 ICT extension, it is important to understand the maximum total stay permitted under the immigration rules as follows:
- Five years in any six-year period if you are paid less than £73,900 a year
- Nine years in any ten-year period if you are paid £73,900 a year or more
If you have already spent five years in the UK (in a six-year period) and you are paid less than £73,900, you will already have reached the maximum time you are permitted to stay and will not be able to further extend your ICT visa. If you wish to apply for an ICT visa extension after 5 years (or 9 years), there are other options available, including switching to a different visa type or leaving for 12 months and then reapplying (this is due to the cooling-off period).
How to apply for an ICT visa extension
To apply for your ICT tier 2 visa extension, you will need to complete the following steps:
- Complete the online visa extension application form
- Pay the application fees (see below)
- Prove your identity – you can prove your identity by making and attending a biometric appointment at your nearest UKVCAS service point. Alternatively, you can use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ mobile phone app.
- Upload any documents requested by the Home Office, including your new Certificate of Sponsorship, showing that the duration of your employment has been extended.
It is important to note that your dependant family members (including your spouse/children with you in the UK) must make a separate dependant visa extension application.
ICT visa extension fees
The ICT visa extension fee is £719 if you will be in the UK for up to 3 years and £1,423 if you will be in the UK for more than 3 years. Other costs include a Biometric fee: £19.20 and an Immigration healthcare surcharge (allowing visa holders access to the UK’s National Health) £1035per year.
ICT visa extension processing time
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) typically processes ICT extension applications within eight weeks, assuming that all of the information and documents needed are provided. They advise it may take longer if your documents require further verification, you need to attend an interview, or due to other factors relating to your case.
If time is of the essence, you may be invited to use the priority service, which will lead to a decision within five working days for an additional cost of £500. There is also a super-priority service which costs £800 and will provide a decision within one working day.
Can you apply for ILR after an ICT visa extension?
The ICT visa does not offer a direct route to ILR in the UK. However, it is likely that you will have other options available to you if you wish to settle in the UK, including switching to one of the following ILR qualifying visas:
- Innovator visa
- UK start-up visa
- Scale-up visa
- Global talent visa
- Family visa (e.g. Spouse visa)
For more information, please visit our article ICT visa to ILR or please speak to our immigration lawyers for a free telephone consultation on 020 3744 2797 or complete our enquiry form.
How can Reiss Edwards help?
Reiss Edwards works with many of the largest multi-national organisations to ensure the smooth and efficient transfer of staff members from around the world to the UK. Our immigration lawyers can:
- handle the complete ICT extension application process
- collate the necessary correspondence and documents needed
- respond to UKVI regarding any questions they raise
- expedite your ICT visa extension decision
- handle a refusal of your ICT visa extension
- advise on your company’s global mobility strategy.
References:
1
GOV.UK: Global Business Mobility: eligible occupations and codes
