Tier 2 ICT coming to an end (5 years)

[london3434]

I had / have a tier 2 visa that is due to expire at the end of this year / early January 2017.

I had a visa for an initial 3 years Tier 2 ICT and extended it a further 2 years. It looks as though there is no way to move to a regular Tier 2 but I'd love to know.

1) I think it is not permitted for another company to sponsor me on a new tier 2 (is this correct)
2) Is there any way to avoid the 1 year cooling off period? If I were to study here for a year or two and move to a student visa?

Thanks!

[geriatrix]

1. It is permitted, but because of 2. no one will.
2. Cooling-off = no Tier 2 for 12 months; it is up to you whether you wish to spend those 12 months outside the UK or inside the UK as a Tier 4 migrant.