Tier 2 (ICT - Short Term) to Tier 2 (General)

[grets22]

Hi,

I have a Tier 2 Visa Short term (from India) and I am currently in the UK until Jan'15 (Visa from 15-Sep-2015 to 06-Feb-2016).

I have been offered a full time role in the same organization.

1) Which Tier-2 category would be best for the long term?
2) a) Am I eligible for Tier 2 general Visa?
b) Would a cooling off period apply? If yes, what is the duration?
c) Can I switch jobs with this visa?

3) If I apply through Tier 2 ICT Long Term, would I be able to switch jobs/ change sponsors without returning to India?

4) Are there any other details that I would need to keep in mind?

Many thanks for your help in advance.

[physicskate]

Hi,

I have a Tier 2 Visa Short term (from India) and I am currently in the UK until Jan'15 (Visa from 15-Sep-2015 to 06-Feb-2016).

I have been offered a full time role in the same organization.

1) Which Tier-2 category would be best for the long term?
2) a) Am I eligible for Tier 2 general Visa?
b) Would a cooling off period apply? If yes, what is the duration?
c) Can I switch jobs with this visa?

3) If I apply through Tier 2 ICT Long Term, would I be able to switch jobs/ change sponsors without returning to India?

4) Are there any other details that I would need to keep in mind?

Many thanks for your help in advance.

The only way for you to apply to switch to a Tier 2 General (which leads to ILR) is if you have held Tier 2 ICT continuously since April 2011. Assuming you haven't (because you are on a short term ICT), you would need to serve a 12 month cooling off period outside the UK before you could apply for entry clearance.

You could apply for entry clearance as Tier 2 ICT long term, but this does not lead to settlement.

There is no way for you to change sponsor without the cooling off period or 12 months on a Tier 4 or as a dependent.