Tier 2 Intra Company Transfer (ICT) visa does not lead to settlement in the UK. After 5 years (or 9 years if salary is £120,000 or above) migrant has to depart the UK or change to a different visa type.
We frequently receive enquiries from ICT migrants who are seeking options to remain in the UK. The options depend on individual circumstances in each case. Those migrants who have £200,000 investment funds and have a viable business idea can switch to the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa from inside the UK. Those with £2 million available funds can apply for Investor visa from inside the UK. Both Entrepreneur and Investor visas do lead to settlement in the UK. Another option is the Exceptional Talent visa, which is available for those who are world leaders or emerging world leaders in the fields digital technology, humanities, engineering, science, the arts, architecture and fashion design. This is an excellent visa to obtain as it allows the migrant to work for any employer or to run own business. The Exceptional Talent visa leads to settlement after 3 years for applicants endorsed as exceptional talent (world leaders) and after 5 years for applicants endorsed as exceptional promise (emerging world leaders). Those ICT migrants whose domestic partners are British/hold settled status in the UK, are EEA nationals or have their own Tier 2 or Tier 1 visa, can switch to their partner’s visa as dependants. Some Tier 2 ICT migrants may want to apply for Tier 4 student visa to do a Master’s course in the UK.
The note reflects legal position and is for general information purposes only and does not aim to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. We accept no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Carter Lemon Camerons immigration team. The specialist team at Carter Lemon Camerons Solicitors can assist you with all immigration and business-related matters. Our years of expertise in these areas mean that we can provide tailored solutions for you. For more details, please contact our immigration team at immigration@cartercamerons.com or +44 (0)20 7406 1000.
