In the globalised world of business, the ability to move key personnel across international borders is crucial. One of the ways companies achieve this is through the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) route. This is particularly relevant for businesses looking to establish a presence in the UK or transfer senior specialists to their UK operations. However, to do this, companies need to secure an ICT Sponsor Licence. This article will guide you through the process of obtaining an ICT Sponsor Licence in the UK, the benefits of ICT to settlement, and the potential for ICT settlement in the UK.
Understanding Intra-Company Transfer
An Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) is a type of visa that allows multinational companies to transfer their foreign employees to a UK branch. This is a popular route for businesses that need to bring in senior specialists or graduate trainees for a specific period. The ICT route is divided into two categories: Long-term Staff and Graduate Trainee.
ICT Sponsor Licence: What is it?
An ICT Sponsor Licence is a permission granted by the UK government to an employer, allowing them to transfer employees from an overseas branch of their company to the UK branch. This licence is a prerequisite for any ICT and is issued by the UK Home Office. The ICT Sponsor Licence is valid for four years, after which it can be renewed.
How to Obtain an ICT Sponsor Licence
Obtaining an ICT Sponsor Licence involves a multi-step process:
Initial Application: The company must apply online and pay the appropriate fee. The fee varies depending on the size of the company.
Supporting Documents: The company must provide various documents to prove that they are genuine and trading. These documents may include bank statements, evidence of business activities, and details of any parent or subsidiary companies.
Compliance Visit: The UK Home Office may conduct a compliance visit to verify the information provided in the application and assess the company’s ability to comply with the sponsorship duties.
Decision: If the application is successful, the company will be granted an A-rated sponsor licence. This allows the company to start assigning Certificates of Sponsorship to their employees.
Benefits of ICT to Settlement
ICT to settlement offers several benefits:
Skills Transfer: It allows companies to bring in employees with specific skills and knowledge, which can be transferred to the UK workforce.
Business Growth: It enables companies to expand their operations and establish a stronger presence in the UK.
Flexibility: It provides companies with the flexibility to move their key personnel around the globe as per business needs.
ICT Settlement in the UK
While the standard ICT visa does not lead directly to settlement in the UK, there is a provision for senior employees earning a high salary. The ICT settlement UK route, known as the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Migrant route, allows senior employees earning £120,000 or more per year to apply for settlement after five years of continuous residence in the UK. This route is particularly beneficial for senior specialists who wish to make the UK their permanent home.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ICT Sponsor Licence is a valuable tool for multinational companies looking to transfer their senior specialists to the UK. It not only facilitates the movement of key personnel but also contributes to business growth and skills transfer. However, obtaining an ICT Sponsor Licence requires careful planning and compliance with the UK immigration rules. Therefore, it is advisable for companies to seek professional advice to navigate the process successfully.
