Tier 2 ICT to Tier 2 General (Cooling off period)

[sinbad]

Dear All,

I have had my Tier 2 ICT Long Term visa before 6th April 2011 and since then I was in UK until Dec 2017 with around 6.5 months break in between (Oct 2012 to June 2013).

I would like to know :
1) If I am eligible to apply for Tier 2 ICT General visa without cooling off period?
2) If I change my visa cat will I come under 10 Yrs long stay cat and apply for ILR?

Thanks in advance.

[CR001]

uk-tier-2-employer-sponsored-visas/swit ... 88997.html

If you have left the UK already in December 2017, you are now likely subject to the 12 month cooling off but I do stand corrected.

Any absence of 180 days or more breaks your continuity of residence for 10 years long residence, so no, based on your 2012/13 absence, you won't qualify.

Note : It is Tier 2 GENERAL and not Tier 2 ICT General.