Switch from Tier 2 ICT to Tier 2 General

Dear Friends,

Please give me your valuable advice in my case.

First time I came in UK in Sep 2008 My all three visites are on same company's sponsor letter.

VISA Type (Tier 2)- VISA Start Date- VISA End Date - Date Entered UK- UK Payrol End Date- Worked in UK (Days)
1 VISA Work Permit -12th Sep 2008 -12th Sep 2010 25/09/2008 -30/03/2009 - 186
2 VISA Tier 2 (ICT) -10th June 2010 -30th June 2012 -13/06/2010 -16/09/2011 -460
3 VISA Tier 2 (ICT) -30th Oct 2014 -30th Oct 2015 -Dec 2014 - Till date

I have offer letter from a company to switch on Tier 2 General.

As per my understanding immigration rule changed after 6th Apr 2011 , I can't switch on tier 2 G due to cooling peroid.

But one of my friend advised it's possible in my case as I also entered in 2008 and 2010 so I can apply inside UK for Tier 2 general based on first entry .

Please correct me if this is the case.

Your understanding is correct. Since your latest visa is an entry clearance visa from outside UK and since its after Apr 2011, a cool-off period of 12 months will apply if you want to switch to Tier 2 General.

I am on Tier 2 ICT Short Term and my VISA will expire in Oct. I am going back to my country now.
Can I apply ICT long term after one month or before my current VISA expires?
In that case cooling off period be applicable?

Yes, you can apply for T2 ICT LT visa from your home country without any cool-off period.

Please also give your valuable advise on below Query.

Is now actually against the law to subcontract out employees in UK who are sponsored under Tier 2 Visas by Umberella company ?

Contracting through Umbrella company is not allowed on Tier 2 General visas.