Tier 2 Established staff to Tier 2 Gen switching doubts

[India_123]

Hi All,

I got my Tier 2 ICT established staff visa stamped on 2011 March 15 and came to uk on 28th May 2011. I've renewed visa twice in UK (2012Mar- 13 & 2013Mar - 2015 Mar) in same Tier2 ICT category. I have got a new sponsor now and trying to switch to Tier 2 General category, I have following doubts,it would be great if you could help with these questions.

1. I've already spent 3 years in UK in Tier 2 ICT category, Now if I switch to Tier 2 General visa, Can I stay for 6 more years? I want to understand if the 6 year limit on tier 2 general includes the time spent on Tier 2 ICT as well?
2. If I can stay for 6 more years on Tier 2 general, Can I apply for 5 years while switching as per 2014 rules (given that the sponsorship offered is for 5 years)? Can I also do one more year extension or apply for PR at the end of 5 years?
3. If 6 year limit includes Tier 2 ICT period as well, Then after switching to Tier 2 General, am I eligible for PR in 2 years (in 2016)?

Thanks in Advance.

[India_123]

Any help from Gurus,Manci please?

I've been reading through different posts in this forum and some of them suggests that I can stay for 6 more years when I switch to Tier 2 general visa but some suggest my total 6 years of stay when I switch to Tier 2 general, includes 3 years I already spent on Tier 2 ICT, so I am confused.

Please help me with this.

Thanks in advance