Tier 2 ICT ST -> Tier 2 General cooling off period

[magnanimous]

Hi All - My tier 2 ICT short term visa expired on 7th Sep 2015. If a company in UK is willing to sponsor a Tier 2 General visa, will the cooling off period of 12 months apply? Furthermore, is it true that the success rate is lower if applying for a Tier 2 General visa from outside UK, i.e. from India?

Thanks much in advance!

[moonlight55]

What was the duration of your previous ICT ST visa as well as the duration mentioned in the COS? It it was less than 3 months, then 12 month cool-off will not apply. Otherwise, the cool-off will apply.

As long as your paperwork is correct, it does not matter where you apply from.

[magnanimous]

Hi moonlight55 - thanks for your response. The COS was for complete 12 months duration, and I returned at the end of 11 months. So if the cooling period applies, the only option I have is to look for ICT long term option within my organization.

[moonlight55]

That's correct.