Visa switching from Tier1 General to Tier2 General

[AQ43]

Hi,
I with my dependents have Tier1 General visa till Feb-2017. I am now planning to switch to Tier 2 General. I have few questions about this switching. It will be highly appreciable if some one can give expert opnion, Thanks.
1) Can I make this switch now even my Tier1 is still valid for 9 more months?
2) Can I delay my family's switching till their Tier 1 dependent expires?
3) If I can delay it would it cause their previous stay in UK set to zero again?
4) Do I have to show maintenance funds even my current visa is still valid?

Thanks
AQ43

[CR001]

How long have you/family been in the UK?

Why do you want to switch to the far more restrictive Tier 2 General visa??

[aq44]

Hi CR001
I am sorry I had forgot my password for previous account so have created this new account to reply.
1) How long have you/family been in the UK?
I landed in UK in April 2009 on Tier 1 visa but due to some reasons I was not able to stay in UK for required number of days in 1st 5 years. I am now in UK permanently since Jan-2014.

2) Why do you want to switch to the far more restrictive Tier 2 General visa??
As Tier 1 Extension are no more possible; to complete my 5 years I must switch to Tier 2 General visa.

[CR001]

1) Can I make this switch now even my Tier1 is still valid for 9 more months?

Yes, if you have a sponsor and the full and proper RLMT process has been completed and a CoS issued, then you can switch.

2) Can I delay my family's switching till their Tier 1 dependent expires?

Not sure, should be ok.

3) If I can delay it would it cause their previous stay in UK set to zero again?

Possibly, not sure.

4) Do I have to show maintenance funds even my current visa is still valid?

Yes I think so.