Can i convert to Tier 2 General category

[akkprimer]

Currently, I hold a Tier 2 ICT "long term staff" visa valid to work from 3/10/2012 upto 29/9/2015 (3 years). However, prior to that i had obtained a Tier 2 ICT visa "Extablised Staff" to work from 17/9/10 till 30/8/2012 (2 years).
My recent Tier 2 visa was granted after leaving the UK and re-entered with the new 3 year visa with out any cooling off period.

My question is that, Since, i had obtained my first ICT visa during the period between Apr 7 2010 and Apr 6 2011, am i eligible to transfer my Tier 2 visa to a general category while staying with-in the UK?

Pls can gurus advice me.

[akkprimer]

i am not sure if my case is unique or common. please can some one advice on possibility? Thanks

[manci]

If you obtained your current Long Term Staff visa by way of applying for entry clearance in Oct 2012 unfortunately you will not be able to switch to T2G in-country.
See Immigration Rule 245HD c(i) and c(ii)
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/polic ... es/part6a/

[akkprimer]

Thanks you manci for response

Just to clarify, if i had renewed my first ICT T2 long term visa without re-applying for an entry clearance, would that have helped me to swith to General category with-in UK?

And, now if i want to swith to General category, should i again go back to my home country and come back with the new COS and new visa? is this the way?

Thanks

[akkprimer]

gurus, let me know your advice please...

[manci]

Thanks you manci for response

Just to clarify, if i had renewed my first ICT T2 long term visa without re-applying for an entry clearance, would that have helped me to swith to General category with-in UK? yes, you would have been eligible to switch in-country

And, now if i want to swith to General category, should i again go back to my home country and come back with the new COS and new visa? is this the way? yes it is, but you would not be able to return for 12 months (cooling-off period) unless your salary is £152,100 or higher , see Immigration Rule 245HB(g), link above.Thanks