ICT Tier 2 to Tier 2 General switch

[mkojha]

Hi, I have a ICT Tier 2 established staff visa valid from July 2010 till next year sponsored by my current employer.

presently I am away from UK and in between got an offer from another employer in UK who is ready to sponsor me under Tier 2 general category.

Is it mandatory for me to be within UK when the sponsorship / switch from ICT Tier 2 to Tier 2 general is happening?

Please can you help?

Regards,

[manci]

You should apply from within the UK otherwise you will be subject to the 12 month cooling-off period.

For switching from within the UK you will need an unrestricted CoS from the new sponsor.

[Jeeves]

presently I am away from UK and in between got an offer from another employer in UK who is ready to sponsor me under Tier 2 general category.

Are you still working for your sponsor? If not you may have a problem re-entering the UK if your visa has been curtailed in your absence.