Intra Company Transfer Visa UK Requirements | Graduate Trainee

1. Intra-Company Transfer Visa UK: Key Details

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The Intra-Company Transfer Visa UK facilitates the temporary relocation of key personnel from overseas branches to the UK offices of the same organization. This visa is divided into two primary categories:

Key Aspect of Intra-Company Transfer Visa UK

A. Intra-Company Transfer Visa

This category is designed for established employees who are transferred to the UK to fill high-level or specialized roles. It includes:

• Long-Term Staff:
  • For employees with over 12 months’ experience within the company, offering various lengths of stay based on the role and company needs.
• Short-Term Staff:
  • For those with less than 12 months’ experience, typically involving shorter assignments.

B. Intra-Company Graduate Trainee Visa

Aimed at recent graduates partaking in structured training programs, this visa category allows for a stay of up to 12 months. It is intended for training that develops the trainee’s skills in a substantial role which is additional to the normal staffing requirements of the UK entity.

Application Requirements

Both visa categories require:

• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS):
  • A virtual document confirming the employee is approved to undertake a specific job for a specific employer in the UK. The sponsor must have a valid Tier 2 or Tier 5 sponsor license and ensure that all eligibility requirements are met.
• Salary and Skill Thresholds:
  • The role must meet certain skill and salary thresholds, which vary depending on the specific visa subcategory.

Important Considerations

• No Route to Settlement:
  • These visas are designed for temporary assignments in the UK and do not provide a pathway to permanent residency.
• Sponsorship Requirements:
  • The sponsoring employer plays a crucial role, guaranteeing the migrant’s eligibility and compliance with the terms of the visa.
• Support Requirements:
  • Applicants must be able to support themselves without recourse to public funds.

This streamlined visa category plays a vital role in facilitating the global mobility of employees, essential for multinational companies operating in an interconnected business environment. The Intra-Company Transfer Visa ensures that the UK remains a top destination for international businesses by enabling the transfer of skills and knowledge across borders.

2. Eligibility Criteria for Intra-Company Transfer and Graduate Trainee Visas

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Understanding the eligibility criteria is essential for a successful application under the Intra-Company Transfer or Graduate Trainee visa categories. These criteria ensure that only genuinely required, skilled, and financially stable personnel are allowed to transfer to the UK.

Intra-Company Transfer Visa Eligibility

Job Offer and Sponsorship:

• Applicants must have a valid job offer for a role in a UK-based branch of their current employer and a valid Certificate of Sponsorship. The employer must hold a valid sponsor licence.

Job Skill Level:

• The job in the UK must be at the skill level of RQF6 or above (equivalent to graduate level), confirming that the employee possesses high-level skills or specialist expertise.

Salary Threshold:

The salary must meet specific thresholds to qualify:

• Long-Term Staff:
  • Must earn at least £41,500 or the ‘appropriate rate’ for the job, whichever is higher.
• Short-Term Staff:
  • Must earn at least £23,000 or the ‘appropriate rate’ for the job, whichever is higher.

Intra-Company Graduate Trainee Visa Eligibility

Job Offer and Sponsorship:

• Similar to the Intra-Company Transfer visa, the applicant must have a job offer and a Certificate of Sponsorship from an employer who holds a valid sponsor licence.

Training Requirement:

• The candidate must be enrolled in a structured graduate training program aimed at progressing to a managerial or specialist role within the organization.

Salary Threshold:

• The applicant must earn a minimum of £23,000 or the ‘appropriate rate’ for the role, whichever is higher.

General Considerations

It’s important to note that while these are the standard requirements, each application is assessed on its individual merits by UK immigration authorities. Adherence to these criteria does not guarantee visa approval but does significantly enhance the likelihood of a successful application.

3. Documents Required for Intra-Company Transfer Visa UK

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Applying for an Intra-Company Transfer or Graduate Trainee visa requires meticulous documentation to verify eligibility and credibility. Here’s a comprehensive list of essential documents needed for your application:

Primary Documents

• Online Application Form Printout:
  • After completing the online visa application, print and submit a physical copy to ensure there’s a record of your application.
• Current Passport:
  • Must be valid and have at least one blank page for visa endorsement.
• Certified Translations:
  • Any non-English or Welsh documents must be accompanied by certified translations to ensure they are properly understood by immigration officials.
• Certificate of Sponsorship Reference Number:
  • A critical document provided by your UK employer confirming you have a legitimate job offer from a licensed sponsor.
• Job Details:
  • Includes your job title, annual salary, occupation code, employer’s name, and sponsor licence number.
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Payment Confirmation:
  • Proof of payment for the IHS, granting access to the UK’s National Health Service.

Additional Documents (if applicable)

• Evidence of Personal Savings:
  • Bank statements showing sufficient funds to support yourself without public funds.
• Proof of Relationship:
  • Necessary if you’re applying with dependents; includes marriage or birth certificates.
• Tuberculosis Test Results:
  • Required if you are from a country where TB testing is mandatory.
• ATAS Certificate:
  • Needed for certain roles involving sensitive subjects.
• Proof of Academic Qualifications:
  • For qualifications obtained outside the UK, you may need an ECCTIS reference number to confirm their equivalency.

Preparing Your Intra Company Transfer Visa Application

Make sure to gather all these documents prior to starting your application to ensure a smooth process. Organizing and verifying each document will help avoid delays and increase the likelihood of a successful visa application.

By ensuring that all documentation is complete and correctly formatted, you enhance your chances for a smooth application process and a positive outcome.

4. Application Process and Processing Time for Intra-Company Transfer Visa UK

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The application process for the Intra-Company Transfer or Graduate Trainee Visa involves several crucial steps and fees vary depending on the visa’s duration and whether the application is from inside or outside the UK.

Application Fees and Steps

Fees

• From Outside the UK:
  • Up to 3 years: £625 per person.
  • More than 3 years: £1,235 per person.
• From Inside the UK (Extension/Switch/Update):
  • Up to 3 years: £719 per person.
  • More than 3 years: £1,423 per person.

Steps

1. Online Application:
   • Fill out and submit the application form online, ensuring all provided information is complete and accurate.
2. Document Compilation:
   • Gather all required documents as detailed earlier. Any non-English or Welsh documents must have certified translations.
3. Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):
   • This fee, typically £624 per year, grants access to the NHS.
4. Biometric Information:
   • Attend a visa application center to provide biometric data necessary for your biometric residence permit.
5. Application Review:
   • Wait for the decision, which will be processed according to the timelines provided by the UK Home Office.

Intra Company Transfer Visa Processing Times

• Standard Processing:
  • Most applications are decided within 15 working days, but it may take up to 60 working days in some complex cases.
• Priority Service:
  • For an additional £250, you can opt for a decision within five working days.
• Extension or Renewal:
  • Standard processing is approximately 8 weeks. For faster processing, priority (£500) or super-priority (£800) services are available, shortening decision times to 5 working days or 24 hours, respectively.

Important Notes

• Fast-Track Services:
  • These services expedite the review process but do not influence the decision’s outcome.
• Accuracy and Completeness:
  • Ensuring your application is accurate and complete is crucial for increasing the likelihood of approval.

By carefully following these guidelines and preparing thoroughly, applicants can streamline their visa application process and enhance the chances of a successful outcome.

5. Conditions of Stay in the UK

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Upon approval of your Intra-Company Transfer or Graduate Trainee Visa, it’s important to comply with specific conditions to ensure your stay remains valid. Non-compliance can result in severe consequences such as visa revocation or future entry bans.

Key Conditions of Stay in the UK

Employment Restrictions:

• Primary Employment:
  • You must work for the sponsoring employer as specified on your Certificate of Sponsorship.
• Supplementary Employment:
  • You may take on additional employment in a role on the shortage occupation list or in the same occupation code as your main job. This supplementary employment cannot exceed 20 hours per week and must be conducted outside your main job’s working hours.
• Voluntary Work:
  • You may volunteer, provided you receive no payment other than reasonable expenses.

Access to Public Funds:

• You are not eligible to access public funds, which include unemployment benefits, housing support, and other social welfare provisions.

Police Registration:

• Depending on your nationality and the length of your stay, you may need to register with the police. This requirement will be clearly stated on your visa vignette or biometric residence permit if applicable.

Educational Pursuits:

• You are permitted to study in the UK as long as it does not interfere with your sponsored job.
• For certain advanced courses or research, an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate may be required.
• If there are significant delays or changes in your course, you must obtain a new ATAS certificate within 28 days and provide a copy to your education provider.

Compliance

Adhering to these conditions is crucial for maintaining your legal status in the UK. Always ensure that your activities in the UK align with these regulations and consult with your sponsor or legal advisor if you’re unsure about the rules applicable to your situation.

6. Study and Supplementary Employment

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Holders of the Intra-Company Transfer and Graduate Trainee Visas have the flexibility to engage in both academic studies and supplementary employment under specific conditions, enhancing their professional and personal development during their stay in the UK.

Study

Permissibility:

• You are permitted to undertake academic studies while on your visa, provided that these activities do not interfere with your primary job responsibilities.

ATAS Certificate:

• For studies in certain sensitive subjects leading to a postgraduate qualification, you are required to obtain an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate before starting your course.
• Should there be any postponement in your research or changes to the course content, a new ATAS certificate must be applied for within 28 calendar days.

Supplementary Employment

Conditions for Additional Work:

Supplementary employment is allowed if it:

• Is in the same occupation code as your main job or is on the shortage occupation list.
• Does not exceed 20 hours per week.
• Is undertaken outside the normal working hours of your sponsored role.

Certificate of Sponsorship:

• Any additional employment must not conflict with the conditions stated on your Certificate of Sponsorship.

These provisions are designed to allow visa holders to further their education and take on additional work opportunities without affecting their primary role in the UK. However, it is vital to adhere strictly to these guidelines to maintain compliance with visa conditions. If in doubt, always seek advice from your employer or legal counsel to ensure you are following the correct procedures

7. Success Rate of Intra-Company Transfer Visa UK

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The success rate of the Intra-Company Transfer Visa is a vital indicator for potential applicants gauging their likelihood of obtaining this visa.

Overview of Success Rates

Recent immigration statistics show a remarkably high success rate for the Intra-Company Transfer and Graduate Trainee Visas. From the fourth quarter of 2020 to the second quarter of 2021, the overall success rate was approximately 98.85%, with the majority of applications being approved.

Quarterly Breakdown

• 2020 Q4: Achieved a 100% success rate, with all applicants successfully obtaining their visa.
• 2021 Q1: Maintained a high success rate at 99.80%.
• 2021 Q2: Slightly lower, but still high, with a success rate of 98.87%.

These statistics indicate a favorable environment for prospective applicants, suggesting that the application process, while rigorous, is fair and yields positive outcomes for the majority.

Key Takeaways

• High Approval Rate:
  • The consistently high approval rates reflect the effectiveness of meeting the eligibility criteria and submitting a well-prepared application.
• Individual Assessment:
  • Each application is evaluated on its own merits, emphasizing the importance of a thorough and accurate application to increase success chances.
• Quality of Application:
  • The quality and completeness of your application significantly influence the decision. Adherence to guidelines and meticulous preparation are crucial.

Conclusion

The high success rates for the Intra-Company Transfer and Graduate Trainee Visas should encourage prospective applicants about their chances of approval. However, it’s important to remember that success largely depends on the quality of your application and strict compliance with the visa requirements.

8. FAQs: Intra Company Transfer Visa UK

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For further details, please refer to Immigration Rules Appendix Intra-Company Routes.