Tier 2 ICT graduate/trainee - how to stay in UK

[americangrad]

Hi,
Hope someone can please help.

I am on a Tier 2 ICT graduate visa (12 month, expires Aug 2015) and am looking as to how I can stay in the UK to work. I have been with current firm for 15 months.

Is it possible to :
a) be granted an extension via a Tier 2 ICT LT visa by current employer? If so, can this be extended before expiry of existing visa ? that is if they want to continue my current employment and satisfy job criteria etc...

b) can I apply for Tier 2 General under a different sponsor ? i.e start look for new employment in the UK and thus a new sponsor or is this only possible after 12 month 'cooling-off' period ?

Hope someone can help as very stuck as to understand my options.

Thanks,
Frank

[kevb2014]

I believe both options are possible if an application is made within the UK. Wait for experts' opinions though.

[manci]

The T2 ICT Graduate Trainee leave cannot be extended beyond 12 months.

However, you can apply for T2 ICT Long Term Staff entry clearance from home country without cooling-off if your present employer wants to continue employing you (min. salary £41k).

re. T2G - you cannot switch in-country and can only apply from home country after 12 months cooling-off