Tier 2 (Intra Company Transfer)
This section explains how you can come to the United Kingdom or remain here as an intra-company transferee (Tier 2 Intra-company transfer) under our points-based system to work in the United Kingdom.
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What is the intra-company transfer category?
The intra-company transfer category is for employees of multi-national companies who are being transferred by an overseas employer to a skilled job in a United Kingdom based branch of the organisation.
Who can apply as an intra-company transferee?
Before you apply under the intra-company transfer category, you must have:
- a sponsor; and
- a valid certificate of sponsorship.
When you apply you are awarded points based on your:
- qualifications;
- future expected earnings;
- sponsorship;
- English language skills;
- available maintenance (funds).
When applying for permission to come to the United Kingdom under the intra-company transfer category, or extending your permission to stay, you do not have to meet the English language requirement if your extension does not take the time of your stay to more than three years.
You can apply under the intra-company transfer category now if you are:
- applying for permission to enter the United Kingdom (known as 'entry clearance') under the intra-company transfer category (see initial applications);
- in the United Kingdom with permission to stay (known as 'leave to remain') in an immigration category that allows you to switch into the intra-company transfer category (see how to switch in to the skilled worker category);
- already in the United Kingdom as a intra-company transfer and want to extend your permission to stay within your existing category(see extending your stay).
Go to our visa services website if you are applying from outside the United Kingdom. There you can find out more about the process in the country you are applying from and download the relevant application forms.
How long can you stay for?
If you are applying from outside the United Kingdom and are given permission to come as an intra-company transferee, you will be able to live and work in the United Kingdom for a maximum time of three years plus one month, or the time given in your certificate of sponsorship plus one month, whichever time is shorter.
If you are already inside the United Kingdom in a different category, you may be able to apply to switch into the category of intra-company transfers (Tier 2 intra-company transfers). If we approve your application you will be able to live and work here for a maximum of three years, or the time given in your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.
At the end of the three years, you will need to apply to extend your stay as an intra-company transferee if you want to stay. See extending your stay for more information.
If you are given permission to extend your stay in the United Kingdom as an intra-company transferee, you will get another two years, or the time given in your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, which ever time is shorter.
If you are applying to extend your permission to stay in the United Kingdom and your previous permission to stay was as a work permit holder, you can still apply under the transitional arrangements for permission to stay for a time that takes you to five years in the United Kingdom. For example, if you have been here for two and a half years with permission as a work permit holder or under the transitional arrangements, you can apply for a further two and a half years permission to stay.
If this means you would get permission to stay for less than a further two years, you can apply for permission to stay for two years instead. For example, if you have been here for four years with permission as a work permit holder or under the transitional arrangements, you can apply for a further two years permission to stay.
You may apply for settlement once you have been here for five years. If you do not, you must apply under the points-based system and make a new application.
Application forms
Tier 2 (General) and Tier 2 (Intra Company Transfer) - for applications made inside the United Kingdom
- Application form for Tier 2 General and Tier 2 Intra-company transfer. Valid from 1 October 2009PDF 1.3MB opens in a new window
- Tier 2 of the points-based system - policy guidancePDF 512KB opens in a new window
News & updates
- Tier 5 (temporary worker) - government authorised exchange - additional guidance
- Overseas government employees switching into Tier 5 (temporary worker) - international agreements
- Points-based system: approved English language tests for Tier 1 and Tier 2
- Government-approved shortage occupation list for Tier 2 of the points-based system
Terms explained
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European Economic Area
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Irish Republic, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom. Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are not members of the European Union (EU) but citizens of these countries have the same rights to enter, live in and work in the United Kingdom as EU citizens.
Internet links
Contact
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Immigration enquiry bureau
0870 606 7766
UK Border Agency, Lunar House, 40 Wellesley Road, Croydon, Surrey CR9 2BY