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Tier 2 (Intra company transfer)

Image showing an overseas newspaper representative in the United Kingdom.

Can you apply?

This section explains the requirements that you must meet when you apply to come to or remain in the UK under Tier 2 (Intra company transfer) of the points-based system.

To be able to apply, you must score a total of 60 points (or 70 points if you want to extend your stay in the UK to more than 3 years and you earn less than £152,100 per year) and meet all the other requirements of the Immigration Rules.

If you are already in the UK in a different immigration category, you may be able to 'switch' into Tier 2 (Intra company transfer - Long-term staff) without leaving the UK. See 'More information' below.

Points for your attributes

To be able to apply, you must score 50 points for having a Tier 2 (Intra company transfer) certificate of sponsorship, and for being paid an appropriate salary and allowances. These are known as your 'attributes':

Attribute Points available
Certificate of sponsorship 30
Appropriate salary and allowances 20


Points for your English language ability

You must score 10 points for your English language ability if you are applying to extend your permission to stay in the UK to more than 3 years in total and you earn less than £152,100 per year. The English language page contains more information.

You do not need to score points for your English language ability if you are applying from outside the UK or for a shorter extension.

Points for maintenance (funds)

You must score 10 points for maintenance (funds). The Maintenance page contains more information.

Additional requirement for students

You may need to meet an additional requirement if you are in the UK as a Tier 4 student, or in one of the student categories under the Immigration Rules that were in place before March 2009. For more information, see the Students with financial sponsorship page.

More information

  • Other requirements (general grounds for refusal)

    Even if you meet the requirements described above, we may refuse your application for other reasons (such as your previous immigration history) . For more information about these 'general grounds for refusal', see Chapter 9 of our immigration directorate instructions.

  • Can you switch into Tier 2 (Intra company transfer)?

    You can apply to switch into Tier 2 (Intra-company transfer - Long-term staff) without leaving the UK if you are currently here in one of the following immigration categories:

    • Tier 2 (Intra-company transfer - Established staff)
    • Tier 2 (Intra company transfer), under the rules in place before 6 April 2010
    • intra-company transfer work permit holder (except multiple entry work permits)
    • representative of an overseas business (including representatives of overseas media companies)

    In all cases, you must be still working for the same employer named on your previous application.

    If you are not currently in one of the categories above, you must leave the UK and make your application from abroad.

    You cannot switch into any other sub-category of Tier 2 (Intra company transfer).