ICT Visa Extension.

[Anuj04]

Hi ..

I'm working on ICT tier 2 Visa since OCT 2010.

My visa will expire in OCT 2015.

Can I apply for an extension either in Tier 2 ICT or General category working for the same employer.

I think the new rules provide an exemption for those who were already working on ICT Tier 2 Visa before April 2011.


Thanks.

[manci]

you will be eligible to apply for a T2 ICT extension with a new CoS but you can only switch to T2G if you change sponsor.

[Anuj04]

Thank you.

It means that the 'cooling off' period (12 months) doesn't apply in my case.

[Anuj04]

@manci

please advise regarding 12 months 'cooling-off' period as well.

Thanks.

[manci]

cooling off doesn't apply to in-country switching

[rahulbsai]

But as per Apr 2014 rules, if you apply T2 G Visa, you will not be able stay beyond Oct 2016 (6 years from day of T2 ICT start )

[Anuj04]

Hi Everyone.

I'm being informed by my office that the exemption for people who arrived in UK on ICT Tier 2 Visa between April 2010 and April 2011 was typo on the part of Home Office and they will not entertain any application to extend my ICT visa since I arrived in UK on OCT 2010.

Is this correct? Please advise.

[manci]

for the period of extension of T2 ICT leave see immigration rule 245GE (b)(v)(2) which is the law:
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... _final.pdf

the typo to which your office referred was to do with T2G visa extensions (not T2 ICT extensions) and it has now been corrected in any case

[Anuj04]

for the period of extension of T2 ICT leave see immigration rule 245GE (b)(v)(2) which is the law:
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... _final.pdf

the typo to which your office referred was to do with T2G visa extensions (not T2 ICT extensions) and it has now been corrected in any case

Hi Manci,
Thanks for the clarification.
I read you explanation regarding HC693 and from what I understand it says that people who arrived on ICT Tier 2 visa before April 2011 can extend their visa by another 5 years ( maxmium 6 years) from the date of T2G visa sanction.

My question to you is that - Can I apply for T2G visa instead of opting for T2 ICT visa working for the same company as my T2 ICT visa valid till OCT 2015.

Can I apply now?

[manci]

you misread HC693. The relevant immigration rule is 245GE(b)(v)(2). You can stay on T2 ICT as long as your sponsor is prepared to employ you, there is no time limit.

You are allowed to switch to T2G but only if you change sponsor.

[Anuj04]

You are allowed to switch to T2G but only if you change sponsor.

Hi Manci,
If I change sponsor then will my T2G visa be valid only till Oct 2016 (as I arrived in UK in OCT 2010) or the 5 years term would start from the date I convert my Visa to T2G?

In that case would I become eligible for ILR after completing 5 years on T2G?

[manci]

If you switch to T2G your T2 ICT leave will cease and will be replaced by T2G leave. You will be eligible for ILR after 5 years on T2G.

[Manikkavelan]

Hi,

I have a Tier 2 ICT Long term visa. Details of the visa below. Can you please help me with the below queries?

Visa start date : September 2011
Immigration date (First entry into UK): February 2013

1. Does the 5 year limit to remain in the UK for T2 ICT start from the visa start date or from the date when I first travelled. Based on the above dates, am I eligible to stay in the UK until Feb 2018 or September 2016?

2. If I find a sponsor for a T2 General visa, can I switch now without leaving the country?

[manci]

Hi,

I have a Tier 2 ICT Long term visa. Details of the visa below. Can you please help me with the below queries?

Visa start date : September 2011
Immigration date (First entry into UK): February 2013

1. Does the 5 year limit to remain in the UK for T2 ICT start from the visa start date or from the date when I first travelled. Based on the above dates, am I eligible to stay in the UK until Feb 2018 or September 2016?
Sept 16

2. If I find a sponsor for a T2 General visa, can I switch now without leaving the country?
no, you would have to apply from home country after 1 year cooling-off

[Manikkavelan]

Thank you Manci