ICT Tier 2 Migrant to Tier 2 (General)

[mmangarh]

Hi All,

Many thanks for this great forum that addresses burning questions on immigration and VISA changes. Kudos!!!

I browsed through the different topics but could not find the specific question that I need answering so thought of raising it under a new topic. Pardon me if this is a repeat question on a separate thread.

I am a IT Service Delivery Manager for an IT firm and came to UK on a ICT Tier 2 Staff Migrant visa on the 6th December 2015 for a period of 2 years.

There is a UK based A list sponsor firm, approached me with a job offer and they've asked their internal immigration department to check whether they can take me in on Tier 2 General visa without issues. Their internal department is yet to revert back and so I thought of asking you experts the question myself.

1. Can I switch from ICT Tier 2 to Tier 2 General?
2. Do I have to go back to my home country or can the visa be initiated and granted whilst in the UK itself?
3. Is there a mandatory cooling period of 12 months or I can just go back to my home country and come back to UK to join the new organization?

Would appreciate if these are answered quickly. Many thanks in advance!!!!

[CR001]

1. Yes but it is not a 'switch', you have to apply for a new entry clearance visa.

2. Home country

3. You will be subject to the 12 month cooling off period

[mmangarh]

Hi CROO1,

Many thanks for your swift reply. Really appreciate it.

So, is there a long term visa that a company can sponsor me for, and for which I don't have to go through the 12 months cooling off period?? Or no matter what the 12 months cooling period is unavoidable?

Regards,
Manish

[noajthan]

Ex-ICT entails 12 months cooling off.
And pre-selection counts against you.