How can I apply for ILR

Hello Everyone,

I am in UK since Aug 2012 on Tier 2 ICT Long term and am looking for ways to apply for ILR (obviously the shortest and possible ways).

Can I apply for Tier 2 General with same company (if they have ability to sponcer). Do I need to server cooling off period or can I switch in UK. Will this switch (Cooling off or not) make me eligible for ILR after 5 years? e.g. if I server cooling off period starting now and apply for Tier 2 general and the spend 5 years in UK, can I apply for ILR?

I probably have mixed two many questions. I have spent 3.5 yrs here and kind of like it now or say have got used to it (It wasn't the plan previously) and am looking for the ways to settle.

any help/advice will be much appreciated.

Best Regards,
Sanjay

As per the current rules, if you switch to Tier 2 general (after a cool-off of 12 months), you are eligible to apply for ILR after spending 5 continuous years on the visa.

you have to leave uk, serve 1 year cool off, get new job on tier 2 gen, come and stay for 5 years, and then according to current rules u will be eligible for ilr. However, ilr rules apply what they are at the time, so even if u leave uk today and apply tier 2 gen on very first day of your cool off time finishing, in 6 years time, no one can predict what the ilr rules will be.