Can a tier2 ICT dependent swith to tier2 general

[*]hi all,

My employer is sending me on tier 2 ICT longterm visa. Thus I need your help for following queries before I confirm something to my employer.
1. my spouse is getting a ICT dependent visa. Is it possible for my spouse to switch to tier 2 general visa after he enter UK if he is getting a sponsor.

2. If yes, then will he need to serve the cooling period of 12 months by returning home country or can he apply for general visa from being in UK

3. Will I be able to switch to tier 2 general dependant just before my ICT visa is expiring.

4. Can the ICT or general visa holder dependant get a work permit or rights to work in UK.

It would be great if someone can help me in finding out the answers so I can plan for something better.

Thanks in advance

1. Yes, your spouse can switch to T2 General. For that, his potential employer has to carry out RLMT and issue a Restricted CoS. Your spouse needs to apply for Tier 2 General Visa from his home country without serving cooling off period.
2. refer 1 above.
3. Yes, you can.
4. As per current Rule, Yes.

First, understand what UKV&I defines as switching.

In light of that definition:
1. No, your spouse cannot switch from PBS dependant to Tier 2 (General). He will need to return to his home country and apply for entry clearance as a Tier 2 (General) migrant based on a restricted CoS (for which an RLMT may be required unless he can find a job paying £155,300 or higher).

2. Dependant is not subject to cooling-off requirement, provided the dependant was not in UK as a Tier 2 migrant in the preceding 12 months.

3. Yes, you may switch from Tier 2 (ICT) to Tier 2 dependant.

4. Under current rules, yes.

Thanks a lot for replying to my queries.

1. So it means my spouse can switch from ICT dependent to GENERAL visa from home country without serving cooling off period.

2. Is there any plans/discussion about change in work permit for spouse(dependent).

3. Will ICT dependent eligible for working ?

4. Will Tier-2 GENERAL dependent eligible for working ?

I am just trying to find the best way so we both can work. please advice

1. Already answered, despite the fact that you haven't understood what switching is, in immigration terms.
2. Plans / discussions by the government? No.
3. 319D
4. Same as 3.

Thanks a lot for your quick reply