The main purpose of intra-company transfers and graduate trainees is to accommodate temporary moves by enabling multi-national companies to move their workers between branches. Home Office has announced the new rule due to Brexit and there has been a big change in Tier 2 ICT visas. Explore the main highlights for ICT as below:
What has stayed the same:
- Still a points requirement but all mandatory and no tradeable points
- No English language requirement
- Does not lead to indefinite leave to remain
- Must have worked for a company in the same corporate group for at least 12 months, unless a high earner
- Have retained the Intra-Company Graduate Trainee route
- Minimum skills threshold is RQF Level 6 Allowances can be counted towards the minimum salary threshold Minimum salary thresholds for the route (£41,500 for ICT, £23,000 for ICGT based on a 48 hour week) Going rate still calculated on the basis of a 39 hour week
- Can bring dependants with them to the UK
What has changed;
- The cooling-off period will be removed
- Able to switch into Skilled Worker route within the UK
- High earner threshold has been lowered from £159,600 / £120,000 to £73,900 (based on a maximum of a 48 hour week)
- High-income earners over £73,900 can stay up to 10 years and the rest of Tier 2 ICT visa holders up to 6 years (high-income earners can potentially apply for a 10-year ILR).
What will effect of changes be;
With the removal of RLMT and quota for skilled Worker route, it is easier for companies to hire migrant workers. Employees with lower salaries can also be transferred to the UK branch on a skilled worker route. Potentially lower numbers will be entering the UK due to minimum salary threshold and skill levels for ICT route are higher than for Skilled Worker route. In addition, there is no incentive for employer to use ICT route to retain a lot of current ICT holders.