Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer

The Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer route enables multinational employers to transfer their existing employees from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) to their UK branch for training purposes or to fill a specific position that cannot be filled by a British or EEA worker.

This category has changed considerably over the years with the aim of reducing numbers and preventing firms using it to circumvent the resident labour market requirements of the Tier 2 (General) program.

Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer Sub-Categories

There were previously four sub-categories within the intra-company transfer route. However, the Skills Transfer route closed on 24th November 2016 and the Short-Term Staff category closed on 5th April 2017.

The Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer category now consists of two sub-categories:

Long Term Staff – for established, skilled employees to be transferred to the UK branch of their organization for more than 12 months to fill a post that cannot be filled by a new recruit from the resident workforce. The salary must be at least £41,500 or the SOC code minimum for the intended occupation. Five or nine years leave to enter the United Kingdom may be granted.

Graduate Trainee – this route allows the transfer of recent graduate employees to a UK branch of the same organization, as part of a structured graduate training programme which clearly defines progression towards a managerial or specialist role. The salary on offer must be at least £23,000 or the SOC code minimum. Up to 12 months leave may be granted.

Next Steps

The UK offers a fast and efficient immigration system which enables multi-national companies to transfer long-term staff or recent graduates from an overseas office to their UK branch through the Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer program. For more information, please schedule a consultation.