Intra Company Transfer Work Visa
An Intra Company Transfer Work Visa, or in short, ‘ICT’, allows a foreign national employed abroad to reside in South Africa while working for the local branch, subsidiary or affiliate of their foreign employer.
ICT Requirements
How to qualify for an Intra Company Transfer Work visa?
To be able to qualify for this type of visa, the foreign employee must, inter-alia:
Have been employed with the affiliate/subsidiary/branch company outside of South Africa for a period of at least six (6) months.
Transfer skills to local South African or Permanent Resident employees.
Remain employed with the affiliate/subsidiary/branch company outside of South Africa.
How long is an Intra Company Transfer Visa issued for?
An Intra Company Transfer Work Visa is issued for a period of four (4) years and is non-renewable in South Africa.
An important focus of this visa type is that the foreign national will be required to transfer his/her foreign skills to a South African citizen or permanent resident during his/her time in South Africa and a skills transfer plan must be submitted with the application to that effect.
What are the requirements for an Intra Company Transfer Visa?
The requirements for an Intra Company Transfer Work Visa are fairly simple and does not require the hassle of external processes and proving academic qualifications or professional designation with a professional body membership. The typical items required for an Intra Company Transfer Work Visa include:
Contract of employment with affiliate/subsidiary/branch company outside of South Africa that is at least six (6) months old.
Original Police Clearance Certificate(s) from countries one has resided for twelve (12) months or more 5 years preceding the date of visa application.
A detailed skills transfer plan outlining the skills to be transferred together with supplementary documents of the South African trainee.
How long does it take to get an Intra Company Transfer Visa?
The processing times by the South African Consulate/Embassy/High Commissions abroad for these types of visas are typically between 4 – 8 weeks. However, it is best to check with your nearest office on processing times so that proper planning can be made.
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Frequently Asked Questions
My Intra Company Transfer Work Visa has only been issued for 2 years. Can I renew my visa in South Africa?
Yes, an Intra Company Transfer Work Visa is issued for 4 years. Where one has been issued for a duration less, you are eligible to apply for a renewal. However, ensure that the conditions of the visa does not restrict a renewal as that places a risk on the application – although a subsequent renewal is allowed in terms of the Immigration Act.
My Intra Company Transfer Work Visa has been issued for the full 4 years and due to expire. Can I apply for an extension in South Africa?
Unfortunately, an Intra Company Transfer Work Visa is issued for only 4 years at a time. If your assignment / transfer experienced delays and requires you to stay, you may, under special circumstances, re-apply for a new Intra Company Transfer Work Visa from within your home country / country of temporary residence. However, you will need to submit demonstrable motivation as to why the initial 4 year period was not enough.
Can I apply for an Intra Company Transfer Work Visa from within South Africa off of my existing visa?
No. While in law this is not prohibited, it has been common practice for the Department of Home Affairs to prohibit a change of status from any visa, to an Intra Company Transfer Work Visa from within South Africa. Thus, such an application will need to be made from your home country or base of foreign operations (provided you hold a valid permit for that country).
Do I qualify for Permanent Residency as an Intra Company Transfer Work Visa holder?
Unfortunately, Intra Company Transfer Work Visas do not lead to Permanent Residency. But have a look here at the categories available for Permanent Residency and to see if you may qualify.