New Tier-2 ICT applicants: Please Read!!

[himanshupatnaik]

This is just to warn all the new Tier-2 ICT applicants about the impact of the April 2012 rule change. After the April rule change, it is impossible to switch from ICT visa to other Tier-2 categories or even apply for fresh entry clearance from outside for 12 months after your ICT visa expires.

The reason I am warning people is because this virtually makes you a slave of your employer. If you decide to leave your employer, you can be certain that you will lose your visa and not have any chance of coming back to UK for at least a year.

Talking from personal experience, I have a new employer ready to almost double my salary, but I cannot take up the offer since I cannot get a Tier-2 General visa for the next 12 months. So, I have the option of sticking with my current employer for a lower salary or going back to India, neither of which are good options.

So all people planning to get a Tier-2 ICT visa, please be careful and try to get a Tier-2 general visa instead (if at all possible).

I know this has been mentioned in some of the posts above, but I don't think the sticky makes is absolutely clear that all new ICT applicants will have the 12 month "cooling off" period.

[geriatrix]

but I don't think the sticky makes is absolutely clear that all new ICT applicants will have the 12 month "cooling off" period.

Well, there is a reason for it.

As the title of the sticky topic states, the topic is relevant only for those intending to "switch", but not those applying for EC. And there is no concept of "cooling-off" when switching.

[himanshupatnaik]

but I don't think the sticky makes is absolutely clear that all new ICT applicants will have the 12 month "cooling off" period.

Well, there is a reason for it.

As the title of the sticky topic states, the topic is relevant only for those intending to "switch", but not those applying for EC. And there is no concept of "cooling-off" when switching.

Agreed...I just wanted to avoid someone saying that it had already been mentioned in the sticky above...

Also, I hope you could put up a sticky about this issue as well. I don't want other people being caught out like me.