SwitchTier2-ICT Long Term Staff Visa to Tier 2 General Visa

[SyamKumar]

Hello,

I am currently working in UK on my Tier 2 ICT Long term Staff Visa. I would like to know whether I am eligible to switch my visa from ICT to Tier 2 General. My Visa Details are as follows,

1) Came to UK from India on 19 Nov 2011 with ICT Short term Staff Visa
2) Went back to India on 24th Aug 2012 due to ICT Short term visa expiry
3) Came to UK again from India on 24th Sep 2012 on ICT Tier 2 Long Term Staff Visa
4) Since then staying and working in UK and the current visa will be expired on Nov 2016, which need to be extended and as per my information the maximum time period the visa can be extended could an year.

However my employer want to continue with my assignment and they are ready to raise the work permit required for Tier 2 General Visa processing. Do I need to go back to India for switching? Whether the cooling off period is applicable for this switching?

Thank you
Syamkumar

[CR001]

12 month cooling off period applies.