Tier 2 General Visa Situation

[Rey0206]

Hello Experts,

I would like to know your views in below situation: -

I was in UK on Tier 2 (ICT) Visa and left UK in Dec 2017 and currently working in one of EU country. I got another job opportunity in UK and they are ready to provide me sponsorship, so I believe I will be eligible for Tier 2 (General) Visa. My questions are: -

1) I believe I need to serve 12 months cooling off period, so I have to wait till Dec 2018. Is there any possibility to get Tier 2 Visa before end of cooling off period (except to get 159K salary)?
2) IF I cannot move to UK again before end of cooling off period, then can I at least initiate the visa processing BEFORE end of Colling-off period OR I have to initiate visa processing only after my cooling off period gets over?
3) If I get offer letter and COS before end of my cooling-off period (say in Nov 2018), then what is the validity of these documents?
4) Is there any risk of rejection/ other issues, If I apply for Tier 2 (General) visa immediately after end of my cooling off period?

Cheers,

[CR001]

1. No there is not. You need to wait the full 12 months if you are not being offered the high salary.

2. Not sure. Probably safer to wait rather than be refused.

3. A CoS is valid for 3 months.

4. No, not if you meet the standard requirements.