Tier 2 General with the same sponsor after ICT

Hi All,

I hope you can help with my query.

My employer prepared Tier 2 ICT visa for me back in June 2012 and I was woking in UK since then.
Just recently I found out that this visa does not provide the option to apply for ILT (indefinite leave to remain) in 5 years’ time.

I want to switch to another type (Tier 2 General) and I will need to go back to UA for a ‘cooling off period’ which is 12 months from the time I leave the country.

My questions is whether I can come back in 12 months to work for the same sponsor? I do understand that I should go through the similar application process (Eng test, new CoS, etc.), still if I know that i can come back that will be great.
I will open business visitor visa instead and will be travelling on some regular basis to ensure I stay connected to the teams here on the ground.

I've been trying to find this on gov.uk but didn't succeed ((

Thanks in advance!

BR,
Nadya

You can't formally work on a business visa, only attend meetings etc and they are only issued for six months (in every twelve).

Yes, sorry, I forgot to mention that p in my country there's a branch of the same company. It should be fine if I work there for a year and come here for visits. Key question whether I can apply with the same sponsor after cooling off period.

Thanks for your advise!

N