Is the Cooling Off period implemented for Tier2 (ICT) Visas

Hi Guys,
The recent posts about the restrictions from Tire2(ICT) to Tier2(Gen) were not anticipated, however when reading the new guidelines there is no mention of the Colling off period being implemented. Does that mean that we can goback to native country and then apply for a Tire2(Gen) visa while our ICT is valid?

Any information would be appreciated. If we are going off on a holiday and apply for a tranfer from Native Country. Is that acceptable.


Regards
rr_ga

What is "cooling off" period?

Hi,
Check the news published in some of the other websites.

http://www.joneskel.com/news.asp

Quotes :

Tier 2 (Intra Company Transfers): Applicants with salaries between £24,000 - £40,000 will be issued a maximum visa of 12 months and on completion of that period they will not be allowed to return to the UK for a further 12 months (the ‘cooling off period’). Applicants with salaries in excess of £40,000 will be issued with visas for up to three years and can extend their visas for a further maximum of two years. If they leave the UK and their visa expires while they are away they will also be subject to the 12 month ‘cooling off period’. Tier 2 (ICT) Skills Transfer and Graduate Trainee visas will not be affected.

Does this mean, if a person has an ICT and applies for Tier2 (General) from home country, he has to wait for 12 months before applying for UK Visa.

Thanks

As far as I understand it, the 12 month cooling off period only applies if you were on a shorter term ICT visa and want to return on a shorter term ICT visa, or if you are were on a longer term ICT visa and want to return on an ICT visa.

It does not apply if returning under tier 2 general, or if you were on a shorter term ICT visa and return on a longer term ICT visa.