Tier-2 ICT to Tier-2 General and other linked queries

[db000]

Dear members of immigration board,

Request members to help me with my query, I am currently based in UK on Tier-2 ICT and keep getting calls from recruiters for openings, but I am not sure if I it's worthwhile pursuing those queries, hence wanted members help and guidance.

I am currently on Tier-2 ICT, which was issued to me 16th, February'2011, but I only arrived in UK on 09th, July'2012 after that my WP has been extended thrice and current expiry is in 29th, February'2016. Between July'2012 and till date I had been to India only once in May'2014 for 20 days. Before this also I had been in UK on WP from 18th, February'2007 till 1st, August'2007.

My queries are:

1. Is it possible for me to switch jobs while in UK, and change my visa category from Tier-2 ICT to Tier-2 General?
2. Do I need to go back to India for changing visa category, and will 1 year cooling of period applicable in my case?
3. Under current circumstances, how easy is it to find employer, considering I come under high skill set, high in demand competencies and work experience.
4. If everything goes fine (I am luck to find sponsor for Tier-2 General and change my visa category and employer) how long will it be before I am eligible to apply for ILR.

Thanks for going through my queries and looking for response at earliest.

Regards,
Deepti

[CR001]

What category ICT visa do you have?

https://www.gov.uk/tier-2-intracompany- ... -this-visa

You can’t:

switch into any other Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) visa type
switch into Tier 2 (General) if your Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) Long-term Staff visa was granted after 6 April 2011

If you have just the standard ICT (not long term staff), eligibility to switch in link below. I think the 12 month cooling off period might apply to you.

https://www.gov.uk/tier-2-general/switch-to-this-visa

3. List of approved sponsors for Tier 2 - https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... onsors.pdf - be wary of recruiters/agents offering your a visa, contracting or working for an umbrella company is not allowed on Tier 2.

4. If you are on the standard ICT visa, you will need 5 years on Tier 2 General.

Perhaps Manci or another mod or guru can advise too.

[ANUSHA_84]

Hi Team,

I am also having similar topic switching from ICT T2 to General T2 visa. I am on Tier 2(ICT Short term - 1 year), my visa will be expired on 25th September 2015. My organization does not seems to process for ICT T2 Long term visa, so need your help on the below questions:

1. I am looking for the options to switch to T2 General, Any cooling off period required to switch to T2 General from ICT T2(Short term)
2. Will I be able to apply T2 General visa being in UK or do I need to visit home country to apply.
3. Any other restrictions which I need look into for applying T2 General visa

Appreciate your quick revert on this.

Thanks & regards,
Anu

[moonlight55]

1. Yes. Cool-off of 12 months from the day you leave UK, if you want to switch to T2 general.
2. Need to apply from home country.
3. Sponsor should be genuine, should pay you the minimum salary as per SOC and should be ready to wait for you to join after 12 months.