Extending Tier 2 long term staff

[makk]

Hello,
First of all congrats for this forum, very very useful.
I currently hold a ICT long term staff visa, issued in August 2011 and which will expire in August 2014.
Questions are:
- How do I apply for extension?
- When should I apply (how long before the expiration date?)
- For how long can I extend it?
- After the extension expires, can I extend it again, or switch to another visa?
- Can I apply for indefinite leave for remain? If yes, after how long in the UK?

Another doubt is: if I wish to change employer, how does this all work? Does the 3 year period visa start counting again?
Can they apply for a Tier 2 General while I"m still in the UK holding the ICT visa?

Thanks a million, any hep will be much appreciated.

[manci]

I currently hold a ICT long term staff visa, issued in August 2011 and which will expire in August 2014.

is this your first work related visa?

[makk]

yes it's the first one.
thanks

[manci]

Hello,
First of all congrats for this forum, very very useful.
I currently hold a ICT long term staff visa, issued in August 2011 and which will expire in August 2014.
Questions are:
- How do I apply for extension? once you have a new CoS by completing the application form current at the time

- When should I apply (how long before the expiration date?) it is best to time the application so that you get a decision before your current leave expires. For this you would need to book a PEO appointment or do it the priority postal way.

- For how long can I extend it? 2 years or the work start date in the CoS, whichever comes sooner. Unless you earn £152.1k or more you can only extend up to 5 years total stay.

- After the extension expires, can I extend it again, or switch to another visa? you cannot extend beyond 5 years total stay and you are not eligible to switch to Tier2 General in-country.

- Can I apply for indefinite leave for remain? no If yes, after how long in the UK?

Another doubt is: if I wish to change employer, how does this all work? Does the 3 year period visa start counting again? You cannot change employer in-country. You would have to apply for entry clearance from your home country and will be subject to 12 months cooling-off. [/

Can they apply for a Tier 2 General while I"m still in the UK holding the ICT visa? no, see above

Thanks a million, any hep will be much appreciated.