Change of sponsor and almost time for ILR

[Inmetta]

Hello,

I have had a couple of T2 General visas from different UK Universities as a University academic. I will qualify for ILR in May 2015 (5 years on T2 general). However, I have a new offer coming from a better University at present and they will sponsor a new COS. I am keen to accept it. Although post is the same as my current one, the new offer is from a really good University. I wonder if I can apply for another T2 general visa now and then apply for ILR later on in 2015 or 2016. I can not keep the new employer waiting. Please advise on my current situation. My details are as below.

First T2 General visa in April 2010 (fixed term contract)- Employer #1
Second T2 General visa in May 2012 (fixed term contract)- Employer #2
Third T2 General visa in July 2012 (open ended)- Employer #3
Fourth T2 General visa (open ended)- Employer #4
(all these applications were in-country applications)

My queries are:
Is there a limit on the number of times a person can apply for and get T2 general visa?
Is there any such rule that says that on T2 general one can stay for a maximum of 5 or 6 years only? As I will start my 6th year of T2 general May 2015 onwards.

Thank you

[manci]

Hello,

I have had a couple of T2 General visas from different UK Universities as a University academic. I will qualify for ILR in May 2015 (5 years on T2 general). However, I have a new offer coming from a better University at present and they will sponsor a new COS. I am keen to accept it. Although post is the same as my current one, the new offer is from a really good University. I wonder if I can apply for another T2 general visa now and then apply for ILR later on in 2015 or 2016. I can not keep the new employer waiting. Please advise on my current situation. My details are as below.

First T2 General visa in April 2010 (fixed term contract)- Employer #1
Second T2 General visa in May 2012 (fixed term contract)- Employer #2
Third T2 General visa in July 2012 (open ended)- Employer #3
Fourth T2 General visa (open ended)- Employer #4
(all these applications were in-country applications)

My queries are:
Is there a limit on the number of times a person can apply for and get T2 general visa?
no, but before you accept the new job have it confirmed by the new sponsor that they will give you the certificate you will need for your ILR application.

Is there any such rule that says that on T2 general one can stay for a maximum of 5 or 6 years only? As I will start my 6th year of T2 general May 2015 onwards.
there is a 6 year cap on T2G leave but only for those who had their initial T2G visa granted after April 2011
Thank you

[Inmetta]

Thank you Manci.
Yes, I will confirm with my new employer about ILR letter. It is good to know that since my first T2-G was in 2010, I am exempt from the 6 year rule.
Can you answer one more silly question? In the case of T2-G, changing employers within the same job category is classed as a 'switch' or an 'extension'? I think it is a 'switch' but not sure. If it is a switch then still in my case the T2-G will be clocked from April 2010.

Thank you