Tier 2 ICT Dilemma

[colorfuldreamer]

Hello friends,

I am badly in need of advice. My employer sponsored me to the UK via the Tier 2 ICT Long Term Visa, arrived here with my wife and 2 kids in August of 2017, the initial stay was for 2 years ending July of 2019, with the COS renewed for a further 3 years (Done this week).

I have only just got to know that I cannot apply for ILR via this route. My employer is willing to make a representation to the authorities on behalf of me and my family, one of my children started school here and it will be good to have them continue here. I am on a fair salary, and my wife works full time as well.

I would very much like to continue here, is there absolutely any way this can be done, and no, my wife cannot obtain a Tier 2 General from any business, we have explored this already.

Any advice is appreciated.

[CR001]

My employer is willing to make a representation to the authorities on behalf of me and my family, one of my children started school here and it will be good to have them continue here. I am on a fair salary, and my wife works full time as well.

Your employer making any such representation is irrelevant and of no use.

ICT has not lead to ilr for a long time. No ICT visa issued after 6th April 2010 has lead to ilr.

To switch to tier 2 general, you either need to go back and wait the 12 months cooling off period or get different sponsor earning at least £159,600pa to avoid the cooling off period.

Or switch to a tier 4 or tier 4 dependent visa for 12 months and then get a tier 2 general visa. Or any other visa you might qualify for.

[colorfuldreamer]

Thank you for your prompt reply.

If I were to return for the 1 year cooling off period, I assume my family will need to return as well, is that right?

I have been reading about Naturalisation using discretion, is that a viable option?

[CR001]

If I were to return for the 1 year cooling off period, I assume my family will need to return as well, is that right?

Yes. Their visa are based wholly on you being in the UK.

I have been reading about Naturalisation using discretion, is that a viable option?

No it is not. For citizenship you need ilr for 12 months first. All citizenship applications for those born abroad holding ilr is an application at discretion.