UK Intra-Company Transfer Visa Processing Time: What You Need to Know

 

UK Intra-Company Transfer Visa Processing Time: What You Need to Know

If you're being relocated by your employer from India or elsewhere to a UK-based branch, the UK Intra-Company Transfer visa processing time is a crucial factor in your planning. This visa allows skilled employees of multinational companies to work in the UK temporarily. Understanding the timeline helps in aligning business operations, relocation logistics, and compliance.

What Is the UK Intra-Company Transfer Visa?

The UK Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) visa, now known under the Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker route, enables companies to transfer employees to their UK branch. It's designed for high-skilled roles and is not intended as a path to permanent settlement in most cases.

There are two main categories:

  • Senior or Specialist Worker – for long-term roles.

  • Graduate Trainee – for structured graduate training programs.

Key Eligibility Criteria

To apply, you must:

  • Be currently employed by a foreign branch of the company.

  • Have worked for the company for at least 12 months (or 3 months for graduate trainees).

  • Have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the UK employer.

  • Be paid the minimum required salary (usually £45,800 per year or £23,100 for trainees).

  • Show financial ability to support yourself in the UK.

UK Intra-Company Transfer Visa Processing Time

The standard UK Intra-Company Transfer visa processing time is:

  • 3 weeks if applied from outside the UK (e.g., India or the U.S.).

  • 8 weeks if applied from within the UK.

However, priority and super priority services are available:

  • Priority Service: Decision in 5 working days for an additional fee.

  • Super Priority Service: Decision in 1 working day in select countries.

Keep in mind that delays can happen due to missing documents, high application volume, or background checks.

Required Documents

  • Valid passport

  • Certificate of Sponsorship reference number

  • Proof of employment and role

  • Salary and bank statements

  • Tuberculosis test (if applicable)

  • Proof of relationship for dependents

Cost Breakdown (As of 2025)

  • Application fee: £719 to £1,423 (varies by stay duration)

  • Healthcare surcharge: £1,035 per year

  • Priority service: £500 extra

  • Super priority: £1,000 extra

(Source: gov.uk)

Possible Stats and Insights

  • The UK issued over 60,000 ICT-related visas in the past year, with India being the largest source.

  • 90% of applications made outside the UK are processed within the 3-week standard window.

FAQs

Q1: Can I switch jobs while in the UK on an ICT visa?
 A: No, the visa ties you to the same sponsor and job role.

Q2: Can my family join me in the UK?
 A: Yes, dependents can apply. They must pay the same healthcare surcharge.

Q3: Does ICT visa lead to permanent residency?
 A: The ICT route doesn’t generally lead to settlement, but some can switch to a Skilled Worker visa later.

Q4: What if my processing time is delayed?
 A: You can contact UKVI or use the paid escalation route, but delays due to incomplete applications are common.

Tips to Avoid Delays

  • Submit all documents at once and in English or with certified translations.

  • Avoid rescheduling biometric appointments.

  • Use priority services if time-sensitive.

  • Maintain clear communication with your HR and sponsor.

Conclusion

Understanding the UK Intra-Company Transfer visa processing time is vital when planning your professional move to the UK. While the standard wait time is three weeks, choosing priority services can speed things up significantly. By staying prepared, compliant, and informed, you can ensure a smooth transfer and focus on your new role abroad. Always factor in the UK Intra-Company Transfer visa processing time when scheduling your relocation.

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