1. Replacement of the intra-company transfer route by global business mobility
The Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) route was closed to new applicants on 11 April 2022. It has since been replaced by the Global Business Mobility (GBM) – Senior or Specialist Worker route. Similarly, the former Intra-Company Graduate Trainee visa was replaced by the Global Business Mobility – Graduate Trainee route.
As a result, individuals who would previously have applied under the Tier 2 ICT route must now apply under the relevant Global Business Mobility category instead. The GBM – Senior or Specialist Worker route is designed for senior managers and specialist employees who are required by their overseas employer to undertake a temporary assignment in the UK with a linked UK entity.
If you already hold permission as a Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer visa holder, you can continue to extend your stay or make changes to your employment under the GBM – Senior or Specialist Worker route.
In addition, both Tier 2 ICT migrants and GBM – Senior or Specialist Workers are permitted to switch into the Skilled Worker route from within the UK, subject to meeting the relevant requirements.
2. Limitations of ict and gbm visas and the benefits of the skilled worker route
Both Tier 2 ICT migrants and GBM – Senior or Specialist Workers are subject to strict limits on how long they can remain in the UK.
-
High earners (earning £73,900 or more per year) may stay for a maximum of 9 years in any 10-year period
-
Non-high earners (earning below £73,900) are limited to 5 years in any 6-year period
If you wish to remain in the UK beyond these time limits, switching into the Skilled Worker route is often the most practical solution.
Importantly, neither the Tier 2 ICT route nor the GBM – Senior or Specialist Worker route leads to settlement. This means that even if you extend your visa, you will not be working towards indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
By contrast, the Skilled Worker route is a settlement route, allowing both the main applicant and their dependants to qualify for ILR once the requirements are met. For many migrants, this makes switching routes highly advantageous, with few downsides beyond the application fees.
3. Switching from ict or gbm to the skilled worker route
Migrants currently holding permission as a Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer worker or a GBM, Senior or Specialist Worker may apply to switch to the Skilled Worker route from within the UK.
Under Appendix Skilled Worker, an applicant applying from inside the UK must not currently hold, or have last been granted, permission in the following categories:
-
Visitor
-
Short-term Student
-
Parent of a Child Student
-
Seasonal Worker
-
Domestic Worker in a Private Household
-
Permission outside the Immigration Rules
As Tier 2 ICT migrants and GBM Senior or Specialist Workers do not fall within these excluded categories, they are eligible to switch from inside the UK.
Historically, Tier 2 ICT migrants were prohibited from switching into the Skilled Worker route while in the UK. This restriction has now been removed, allowing both ICT and GBM migrants to switch categories without leaving the UK.
4. Requirements for switching from tier 2 (ict) to skilled worker
To successfully switch into the Skilled Worker route, applicants must meet the following requirements:
-
Be aged 18 or over
-
Hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by a UK employer licensed to sponsor Skilled Workers
-
Have a genuine job offer that meets sponsorship criteria
-
Be employed in a role at the required skill level, normally RQF Level 6 or above
-
Be paid a salary that meets:
-
The general salary threshold, and
-
The going rate for the relevant SOC 2020 occupation code
-
-
Ensure the sponsor has paid the Immigration Skills Charge, where applicable
-
Meet the English language requirement, usually at CEFR Level B1
Important English language update:
From 08 January 2026, new entrants to the Skilled Worker route must demonstrate English language ability at CEFR Level B2, covering reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
Additional requirements include:
-
Meeting the financial requirement, unless exempt
-
Providing a criminal record certificate where required for certain roles (e.g. education, health, social care)
-
Providing a TB test certificate, if applying from a country where TB screening is required (this does not apply to in-country switching applications)
5. Skilled worker sponsorship for ict and gbm migrants
Migrants switching from Tier 2 ICT or GBM routes must still be sponsored in an eligible role meeting the skill and salary thresholds.
This sponsorship can be:
-
With the current employer, provided they hold a Skilled Worker sponsor licence, or
-
With a new employer that is licensed to sponsor Skilled Workers
A new Certificate of Sponsorship must be issued for the Skilled Worker role. Employers must therefore be willing and eligible to sponsor the migrant under the Skilled Worker route.
6. Skill level changes affecting ict migrants
In July 2025, the Home Office raised the minimum skill level for Skilled Worker roles from RQF Level 3 to RQF Level 6.
As ICT migrants are already sponsored at RQF Level 6 or above, most will not experience difficulty meeting the new skill threshold if continuing in the same role.
However, migrants switching into new or different roles should be aware that:
-
Some lower-skilled occupation codes are no longer eligible
-
The list of eligible roles has been reduced
-
Only a limited number of medium-skilled roles remain eligible under the Temporary Shortage List
7. Salary requirements for skilled worker applicants
The general salary threshold for Skilled Workers is currently £41,700, which is slightly higher than the £41,500 threshold applicable to Intra-Company Transfer migrants.
As a result, ICT migrants seeking to switch routes may need a salary increase to meet the Skilled Worker requirements. In addition, applicants must meet the occupation-specific going rate, which may exceed the general threshold.
8. English language, maintenance, criminal record, and tb requirements
Migrants switching to the Skilled Worker route must meet validity and suitability requirements and must not fall under the grounds.
-
Applicants who have lived in the UK for 12 months or more automatically meet the financial requirement
-
English language requirements can be met through:
-
Nationality of a majority English-speaking country
-
An approved Secure English Language Test
-
A degree taught in English
-
When switching from within the UK:
-
TB certificates are not required
-
Criminal record certificates are generally not required
9. Settlement eligibility under the skilled worker route
Once you switch into the Skilled Worker route, you will be on a direct route to settlement.
To qualify for indefinite leave to remain:
-
You must complete 5 continuous years as a Skilled Worker
-
Time spent as a Tier 2 ICT or GBM worker does not count towards this period
Alternatively, migrants who complete 10 years of continuous lawful residence in the UK may qualify for settlement under the Long Residence route (Appendix Long Residence).
10. Settlement requirements and visa extensions
To apply for settlement as a Skilled Worker, applicants must also:
-
Pass the Life in the UK test
-
Continue to meet sponsorship and salary requirements
-
Meet the validity and suitability criteria
If settlement requirements cannot be met at the end of the visa period, Skilled Workers may extend their visa, as there is no maximum length of stay on this route.
Need expert guidance?
If you are considering switching from Tier 2 (ICT) or Global Business Mobility to the Skilled Worker route, or need help with sponsorship, compliance, extensions, or settlement planning, LawSentis is here to help.
Our IAA-regulated immigration advisors provide clear, strategic, and up-to-date UK immigration guidance tailored to your circumstances.
Contact LawSentis today for professional assistance with your UK visa or immigration matter.