Tier 2 general visa cooling off period

[Aariz]

Hi,
I was in UK on tier 2 general visa from April 2018-april 2019. I left uk before expiry of my tier 2 visa which was valid for 3 yrs ( 2018-2021).
Now I have a new job offer for tier 2 general visa.
My question is --
1) do I have to serve cooling off period or it doest apply for tier 2 general visa and I can apply immidiately.
2) If it applies then from what date my cooling off period start. From the date I left uk finally?

Please kindly help as I need to accept offer and start visa process.

[CR001]

1. As you left the UK, you are subject to the 12 month cooling off period.

2. It starts counting from the date you left the UK and when you apply for a visa again, ho will expect to evidence of when you left the UK.

[Aariz]

Thanks for your prompt reply.
But I was reading tier 2 visa policy guideline, there they have mentioned cooling off period only under tier 2 inter company transfer category and not under general category.
This is a bit confusing.---

[CR001]

You are reading it incorrectly. It applies to both if you leave the UK and wish to return.

The immigration rules part 6a state very clearly that for tier 2 general entry clearance visas, you cannot have held any tier 2 in the last 12 months

[Aariz]

Thanks for your reply