ILR with Tier 2 ICT plus General combination

[pramodlns]

Greetings and New year wishes.

I am working in UK for 4 years and 8 months, looking for some guidance with ILR rules.

I came to UK in May 2010 through Tier 2 ICT route and worked in the same VISA for 3 years, after 3 years my VISA got renewed for one more year (ICT extension)
I switched my VISA from Tier 2 ICT to Tier 2 General in June 2014 which is valid upto 2017
I have done my masters education in UK in the period of my stay.

Now can I apply for ILR when complete 5 years of stay in May 2015 (based on ICT VISA got in May 2010)
If I am not eligible then what is the best route to get ILR

Can you please assist

Regards
Pramod

[kevb2014]

Yes, you will be eligible to apply after 5 years on Tier 2 and it's best to apply before Apr 2016 as the rules will get tougher (£35K minimum salary rate).

[toad]

Yes, you will be eligible to apply after 5 years on Tier 2 and it's best to apply before Apr 2016 as the rules will get tougher (£35K minimum salary rate).

This is not 100% correct, is it?

From 6 Apr 2010, the stay with T2 ICT does not count towards ILR. If Pramod's visa was issued after the rule change on 6 Apr 2010, his stay with T2 ICT will not count towards 5 year period for ILR. The clock for 5 year period would start from the date he changed to T2 General.

So if Pramod's visa was issued before 6 Apr 2010, yes he can apply this year. Otherwise, he would be eligible in 2019.

Sorry I am no expert on this, but this is my understanding based on various discussions on this website.

[kevb2014]

Spot on toad!

I guess Pramod can make a SAR request and then he'll know under what rules his T2 ICT visa was issued.