Switching from Tier 2 ict long term to Tier 2 general

[Rpkp]

Hi
I came in the UK on ict long term visa in Jan 2016. I now have a new employer who is willing to sponsor me for my new job. My query is
1) am i eligible to switch to tier 2 general visa without leaving the UK? If not then
2) am i liable to serve 12 month cooling off period before i make an application after going back to India?If yes then
3) is there any way i can apply for Tier 2 general VISA without serving cooling off period.

Thanks in advance

[CR001]

Hi
I came in the UK on ict long term visa in Jan 2016. I now have a new employer who is willing to sponsor me for my new job. My query is
1) am i eligible to switch to tier 2 general visa without leaving the UK? No.

If not then
2) am i liable to serve 12 month cooling off period before i make an application after going back to India? Yes, except if your job is on the shortage occupation list.

If yes then
3) is there any way i can apply for Tier 2 general VISA without serving cooling off period. No, see #2 above.

Thanks in advance

uk-tier-2-employer-sponsored-visas/faqs ... 98916.html

[Rpkp]

Many thanks for your reply. So if my job lies in shortage occupation list, How long does the entire application process usually takes till a decision is made on my application?

[poper]

Suggest you read the FAQ link shared.
It appears like shortage occupation jobs only have RLMT exemption NOT cool off period

Q4 - I do not qualify for settlement under the Tier 2 (ICT) route and I cannot switch to Tier 2 (General) as explained in Q3. How can I change to Tier 2 (General)?
If you are a Tier 2 (ICT) migrant that doesn't belong to the ICT categories allowed to switch (as explained in Q3), then you need to apply for entry clearance from outside the UK. Amongst other, this involves three major things:
1. Resident Labour Market Test.
2. Restricted CoS.
3. 12 months cooling-off period.
unless the applicant will be paid >£155000pa which exempts the applicant from the "cooling-off period" requirement and/or the applicant has a job listed in the shortage occupation list which exempts the applicant from the "resident labour market test" requirement.