Tire 2 ICT to Tire 2 General

[varaprasady]

Background;
 Currently working in the UK on Tier 2 ICT (Long term staff).
 Visa Validity: Sep 13 to Sep 16.

I have a new job offer who will be giving me sponsorship to apply Tier 2 General.
Question:
1. Am I eligible to swap/switch my Visa from Tier 2 ICT Long term staff
migrant to Tier 2 General while I am in UK OR Do I need to go back to Home Country and apply Tier 2 General from
there.

2. Also, is there any cooling period applied for this Switch or in my case
(As this is Change in Sponsor)?

Thanks,
Prasad

[moonlight55]

Background;
 Currently working in the UK on Tier 2 ICT (Long term staff).
 Visa Validity: Sep 13 to Sep 16.

I have a new job offer who will be giving me sponsorship to apply Tier 2 General.
Question:
1. Am I eligible to swap/switch my Visa from Tier 2 ICT Long term staff
migrant to Tier 2 General while I am in UK OR Do I need to go back to Home Country and apply Tier 2 General from
there. Cannot do in-country. Need to apply from home country.

2. Also, is there any cooling period applied for this Switch or in my case
(As this is Change in Sponsor)? Yes, you will have a cool-off period of 12 months.

Thanks,
Prasad

[varaprasady]

Thanks for your reply.

Is there any chance of removing cool-off period rule before 2016.???

i hope every year the Immigration rules are changing.

[moonlight55]

That is anyone's guess I think. I personally, don't think the cool-off rule will go off soon.