Switching from TIER 2 (ICT) to TIER 2 (General) - URGENT!

[HBS_UK]

I have few urgent questions - would appreciate if Manci or others could address them:

1. I received a TIER 2 (ICT) visa in 9/2009 for an initial period of 3 years. I am planning to move to a new employer under TIER 2 (General). Would the 4/2012 cooling-off period apply in my case given that the visa was granted in 2009?

2. If cooling off does apply, would it be possible for me to move to a Tier 2 (General) DEPENDENT visa, work under that visa in the UK for 12-month, and then switch to Tier-2 (General) when the 12 months are over or do I need to stay out of the UK for 12 months?

3. What is the current estimated time/range for an employer to get a sponsorship certificate for Tier 2 (General)? My wife's employer applied 9 weeks ago and hasn't received a response yet.

Thanks.[/b]

[manci]

1
If you are switching in-country from T2 ICT to T2G cooling-off doesn't apply. It would only apply if you were seeking T2G entry clearance from abroad.
2
If cooling-off does apply (see 1. above), and provided you are otherwsie eligible, you can apply for a PBS dependant visa (from abroad) and work in the UK. Once the cooling-off period has passed you could apply for a T2G visa (from abroad) or continue working as a PBS dependant.
3
If you mean a sponsorship licence the processing time, judging by posts on this forum, seems to be 4-5 months at present. If you mean additional CoS allocations for licenced sponsors search the forum or ask your wife's employer to ring the sponsorship helpline (0300 123 4699).

[HBS_UK]

Thank you