TIER 2 GERERAL from Dependent

[Abhishek7]

Hi,
I am on Tier 2 ICT short term staff ending in April 2019. It’s my third year so it can get extended twice if my employer allows me. My wife was also on Tier 2 ICT staff for another company and my moved to my dependent (I.e. Tier 2 ICT short term dependent) in July 2018.

Can she move to Tier 2 General from the home country which is India if any firm offers her before July 2019 next year? OR she will need to serve her cooling first and then she can do it after July 2019?

It will be really great if you can help me with this. I am slightly worried since my visa will end in April 2019 and if I don’t get extended, she can’t complete her cooling till July 2019 and will need to go back with me. All ideas welcome!

Thanks!

[CR001]

She has to wait the full 12 months cooling off period on a dependent visa before she can apply for a tier 2 general from her home country. She cannot switch within the UK to tier 2 general.

[Abhishek7]

Thanks a lot!
So 12 month is applicable even if she goes back and stays in India for next 2 months and then apply for Tier 2 General from there?

[CR001]

The 12 months cooling off period starts from the date she got her dependent visa, regardless of whether she is in the UK or home country.

[Abhishek7]

Sorry here I am again. Thanks for the help so far it really helped plan us few things.

I presume COS is different from actual VISA application. We are 3 months away from our cooling completion and have started looking for sponsorship. Question is - can organisations create at least a future dated COS application for us now it self in advance, which we can then use after 3 months for the application?

Thanks!

[CR001]

A CoS is only valid to be used within 3 months of issue.