The Tier 2 General visa and the Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) visa are both types of work permit visas for the United Kingdom. Both visas are part of the Points-Based System (PBS), which is the UK's immigration system for non-European Economic Area (EEA) nationals who want to work in the UK.

The Tier 2 General visa is for individuals who have been offered a skilled job in the UK, and have been sponsored by an employer with a valid Tier 2 sponsor license. In order to be eligible for this visa, the job must be on the UK Shortage Occupation List or the applicant must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from the employer. The applicant must also score enough points on the Tier 2 points-based assessment.

The Tier 2 ICT visa, on the other hand, is for employees of a multinational company who are being transferred to the UK branch of the company. This type of visa allows employees to transfer to the UK for a limited period of time in order to continue working for the same company. The employee must have worked for the company for at least 12 months prior to the transfer, and the company must have a valid Tier 2 sponsor license. The applicant must also score enough points on the Tier 2 points-based assessment.

Both of these types of visas are usually valid for a period of up to five years, with the possibility of extending the visa for an additional five years (or 9 years for ICT depending on the type of ICT category) . Both types of visas also have similar requirements regarding qualifications, salary, and maintenance funds. However, the Tier 2 ICT visa may be a more suitable option for employees who are being transferred to the UK for a short-term period, whereas the Tier 2 General visa is more suitable for employees who are seeking long-term employment in the UK.

What is a Tier 2 ICT visa?

A Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) visa is a type of work permit visa for the United Kingdom. It is part of the Points-Based System (PBS), which is the UK's immigration system for non-European Economic Area (EEA) nationals who want to work in the UK.

The Tier 2 ICT visa is intended for employees of a multinational company who are being transferred to the UK branch of the company. The employees need to have worked for the company for a certain period of time before the transfer, and the company must have a valid Tier 2 sponsor licence.

The visa allows the employees to transfer to the UK for a limited period of time, usually up to 5 years, with the possibility of extending the visa depending on the category of ICT chosen. It also allows their family members to join them in UK. The employee will also have to score enough points on the Tier 2 points-based assessment as per the requirements mentioned in the UK immigration rules.

There are different categories under the Tier 2 ICT visa, which are:

• Long-term Staff: for employees who have worked for the company for at least 12 months prior to the transfer, and are being transferred to the UK for more than 12 months.
• Graduate Trainee: for recent graduates who have been employed by the company for at least 3 months prior to the transfer and have been selected for a specific graduate training program by the company.
• Skills Transfer: for employees who are being transferred to the UK to acquire new skills, but will not be filling a permanent role.
• Short-term Staff: for employees who have worked for the company for at least 12 months prior to the transfer, and are being transferred to the UK for a maximum of 12 months.

Overall, the Tier 2 ICT visa allows multinational companies to transfer their employees to the UK for a specific period, with the aim of allowing them to continue working for the same company while they are in the UK.

Requirements to switch from Tier 2 (ICT) to Skilled Worker

The Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) visa and the Tier 2 Skilled Worker visa are both types of work permit visas for the United Kingdom, but they have some key differences:

1. Eligibility: The Tier 2 ICT visa is intended for employees of a multinational company who are being transferred to the UK branch of the company. The employees need to have worked for the company for a certain period of time before the transfer, and the company must have a valid Tier 2 sponsor licence. The Tier 2 Skilled Worker visa, on the other hand, is for individuals who have been offered a skilled job in the UK, and have been sponsored by an employer with a valid Tier 2 sponsor licence.
2. Job offer requirement: The Tier 2 ICT visa doesn't require a job offer, as the employee is being transferred to the same company, but the Tier 2 Skilled worker visa requires a valid job offer that falls under the shortage occupation list or has a valid Certificate of Sponsorship
3. Time period of stay: The Tier 2 ICT visa allows employees to transfer to the UK for a limited period of time, usually up to 5 years, with the possibility of extending the visa depending on the category of ICT chosen. The Tier 2 Skilled Worker visa, on the other hand, usually valid for a period of up to five years, with the possibility of extending the visa for an additional five years.
4. Points-based assessment: Both the Tier 2 ICT and Skilled Worker visa requires the applicant to score enough points on the Tier 2 points-based assessment, but the required points may vary depending on the category and job role.
5. Purpose: The main purpose of the Tier 2 ICT visa is to allow multinational companies to transfer their employees to the UK for a specific period of time, with the aim of allowing them to continue working for the same company while they are in the UK. The main purpose of the Tier 2 Skilled Worker visa is to allow skilled individuals to work in the UK, where the job is in high demand and cannot be filled by citizens of European Economic Area.

Overall, the main difference between the two visas is the purpose and the criteria of eligibility, while both have similar requirements such as qualifications, salary, and maintenance funds.

How long can I stay outside the UK with Tier 2 ICT?

The rules regarding how long a holder of a Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) visa can stay outside of the UK can vary depending on the category of ICT visa they have, and it's also important to be aware that rules can change over time.

In general, holders of a Tier 2 ICT visa are allowed to travel outside of the UK during their stay, but the length of time they can be away from the UK without their visa becoming invalid will depend on the category of ICT visa they have.

The current UK immigration rules states, for the Long-term ICT visa holder, they should not stay out of the UK for more than 180 days in a year. This is to maintain their continuous residence for Indefinite leave to remain application.

For the Short-term ICT visa holder, the period of stay outside the UK is not restricted. However, the Short-term ICT visa is only valid for a maximum of 12 months, and after that the employee must leave the UK or apply for a new visa category.

It's important to keep in mind that these rules can change, so it is a good idea to check the UK government's website or consult with a UK immigration expert for the most up-to-date information regarding travel restrictions for Tier 2 ICT visa holders.

Can I apply for ILR after 5 years on an ICT visa?

It's important to note that there are different categories of ICT, and the eligibility criteria for ILR may vary depending on the category of ICT the applicant holds. Additionally, the rules and criteria for ILR can change over time, so it's a good idea to check the UK government's website or consult with a UK immigration expert for the most up-to-date information regarding ILR eligibility for Tier 2 ICT visa holders.

It's also worth noting that, after successfully applying for ILR, the individual will no longer be subject to any immigration control and will be free to live and work in the UK without any restriction.

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