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Tier 2 (Intra company transfer)

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Certificate of sponsorship

This page explains how you can score points for having a certificate of sponsorship when you apply to enter or remain in the UK under Tier 2 (Intra company transfer) of the points-based system.

You must read the Tier 2 policy guidance before you apply. You can download the guidance from the right side of this page. The guidance is based on Part 6A of the Immigration Rules.

Intitial applications

If you are applying from outside the UK, or you are 'switching' from a different immigration category, you will score 30 points for having a certificate of sponsorship.

Your sponsor must indicate that you are an intra-company transferee on your certificate of sponsorship.

You may need to send evidence that you have worked for your sponsor for a period of time before you apply:

  • If you are applying under the Long-term staff or Short-term staff sub-categories, you must have worked for your sponsor for the past 12 months (or at least 12 months during the last 24 months if you have been absent from work on maternity, paternity or adoption leave, or on sick leave lasting at least 1 month, during the last 12 months). Time spent in the UK in the Graduate trainee or Skills transfer sub-categories does not contribute to the 12-month qualifying period.
  • If you are applying under the Graduate trainee sub-category, you must have worked for your sponsor for the 3 months immediately before you apply to come to the UK. Time spent in the UK in the Skills transfer sub-category does not contribute to the 3-month qualifying period.
  • You can apply under the Skills transfer sub-category even if you have been newly recruited by your sponsor.

If your sponsor is a limited company, you must not own more than 10 per cent of its shares.

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Extension applications

If you are applying to extend your stay under Tier 2 (Intra company transfer) and you have a certificate of sponsorship to continue working in the same job for the same employer, you will score 30 points.

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Application forms

Tier 2 policy guidance

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See also

Do it online

Terms explained

  • Certificate of sponsorship

    A 'virtual document' assigned by a licensed sponsor to a migrant who wishes to work for them in the UK. The migrant must quote the certificate of sponsorship reference number when applying for permission to enter or remain in the UK  under Tier 2 or Tier 5 of the points-based system or, where the migrant is a Croatian national, when applying for worker authorisation.

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Policy & Law