Tier 2 general visa( work permit)

[Tabu]

Hi,
I am currently in UK(London) on Dependent visa (partner of Tier-2 general holder) and got a job offer to apply for Tier-2 general work permit.

My current and previous immigration status in UK are as follows
Current visa: On Dependent visa (partner of Tier-2 general holder) valid from 15-Aug-2014 till 15-Jan-2017
Previous visas: Held Tier-2 general work permit from Oct-2013 till 08-Oct-2014 (Expired)
Held Dependent visa from Aug 2010 to Oct-2013 (Expired)
Switched from work permit to dependent visa in Aug 2014 from UK.

Since I am currently holding a dependent visa, my employer needs to apply for restricted CoS and I need to apply for Tier-2 general from outside the UK (from India). Since I have held Tier-2 general work permit before, a 12-month cooling period will also be applied in my case?
And when can I apply for the work permit?
Thank you.

[CR001]

You are free to work for any employer as a Tier 2 dependent. Why do you want to switch to Tier 2 main applicant and reset your residency clock again?

[Tabu]

Thanks for your reply

I am a doctor and has been offered a training post, the dependent visa that I am on now has an endorsement saying 'no doctor in training'. I can only take this training post by applying a new Tier-2 general visa.

Could you please answer my original question on whether "Cooling period" does apply in my case. If yes when I would be able to apply for new Tier-2 again from outside of UK?

[vinny]

See also 245HB(g).