TIER II General process after getting offer

[Asprofile]

Hello ,
I have been offered by an employer in UK and they have agreed to give me a COS.
Could you please help me with a few queries ?
1) I am on TIER II ICT dependant now and wish to apply for TIER II general .As per the info,it seems I will need to travel back to my country to do the same ?
Does this mean that I can fill the form from UK and go back to submit documents and biometric in my country hoping that I would be able to save time ?
2) how long does it take for the decision to come ?
3) I am a MTech already working in UK .Do I have to give english exam to prove competancy in English ?
4) How would it proceed once the employer gives me the COS number .There are some queries that I have whether the employer will bear cost for visa application for me & my child ?
5) will I need solicitor to fill the form ?
6) what will be the list of documents that I need to provide ? I can understand of passports,COS letter,bank statement ,what else ?

My apologies if these sound basic ,but if someone could explain the process after offer ,it would be helpful.
Thank you in advance.

[CR001]

1) I am on TIER II ICT dependant now and wish to apply for TIER II general .As per the info,it seems I will need to travel back to my country to do the same? Does this mean that I can fill the form from UK and go back to submit documents and biometric in my country hoping that I would be able to save time ?

Not sure but suspect you should do it all from home country.

2) how long does it take for the decision to come ?

It can take a couple of weeks or it can take a couple of months. Depends on your sponsor, your supporting documents and whether the full and proper RLMT process has been completed to prove you have not been 'pre-selected'.

3) I am a MTech already working in UK .Do I have to give english exam to prove competancy in English ?

Is Mtech a university degree? You would have to check if you get points for it to meet the English requirement.

4) How would it proceed once the employer gives me the COS number .There are some queries that I have whether the employer will bear cost for visa application for me & my child ?

Once you have a CoS assigned, you need to apply within 3 months. Employers don't usually cover the visa fees or immigration health surcharge fees. You would likely have to pay these yourself. Same for maintenance funds, if your employer doesn't certify they are providing this, you have to meet the requirement. Where is the child's other parent??

5) will I need solicitor to fill the form ?

No

6) what will be the list of documents that I need to provide ? I can understand of passports,COS letter,bank statement ,what else ?

Have you looked at the guidance notes or HO's website??

[Asprofile]

The other parent would continue to be on ICT in UK .
We have decided to apply only for my child and myself .

MTech is a post graduate degree.