UK Work Visa

[jastal]

Hello,

I got my first UK Visa (ICT short term) in Jan 2011 valid till Feb 2012. On this Visa I was in UK from Jan 2011 to May 2011 and travelled back to UK in Jan 2012. On the Visa I got extension till Mar 2013 and back to India in Mar 2013. I got next Visa (ICT short term) from Sep 2014 to Sep 2015 and I was in UK for that all one Year.

I am currently in India and want to work in UK, could you please help me with the queries below -

1) If I get a job offer with visa sponsorship from UK would I be able to get Tier 2 general visa before Sep 2016 or do I have to serve cool off period till Sep 2016.
2) Can I get ICT long term now. I am working with same employer since 2008.
3) Can I get Tier 2 general now from the same employer.
4) If I get Tier 2 general, enter in UK and then change employer with Tier 2 general.
5) Any other option for me to have UK work visa asap.

Many Thanks

[CR001]

1) If I get a job offer with visa sponsorship from UK would I be able to get Tier 2 general visa before Sep 2016 or do I have to serve cool off period till Sep 2016. You will have to serve the full cooling off period, counted from the date you left the UK, before you can apply for a Tier 2 General visa.

2) Can I get ICT long term now. I am working with same employer since 2008. If you meet the requirements and your employer sponsor you, then yes. This route DOES NOT lead to ILR.

3) Can I get Tier 2 general now from the same employer. Yes, 12 month cooling off period will still apply.

4) If I get Tier 2 general, enter in UK and then change employer with Tier 2 general. You will need to apply to switch to a new Tier 2 General and pay the visa fee and IHS surcharge again if you change sponsor/employer.

5) Any other option for me to have UK work visa asap. Unless you have a spouse who is British or has ILR, or qualify for a student visa, then no, there is no other 'a.s.a.p./quicker' route.

[jastal]

Many Thanks for the reply.

Just one more question.

Being in UK having 'Tier 2 ICT short term' can I switch to 'Tier 2 General' if Job and sponsorship is ready ?

OR 'Tier 2 ICT LONG term' can switch to 'Tier 2 General' ?

Many Thanks

[noajthan]

Suggest see answers to #3 & #4 above