Cooling off peiod for ICT visa holder before completing 5Y

[ayugupta]

Hi All,

I just wanted to check re applicability of cooling off period for ICT visa holder before completion of 5 years.

I came to UK on Tier 2 ICT long term visa for 2 year from July 2015 to June 2017. My contract and visa are only valid for this period. I understand that ICT can be extended maximum for 5 year, however in my case it is only for 2 year. Can somebody in UK sponsor me immediately or do I have to wait for one year cooling off period?

Thanks in advance.

[CR001]

If you do not extend your current visa with your current sponsor, you will be subject to the 12 month cooling off period before you will be eligible to apply for Tier 2 General with a new sponsor. The 12 months starts from the date you leave the UK.

[ayugupta]

Thanks for the response.

So it's clear that whether 5 year or 2 year, cooling off is applicable.

Thanks again.

[CR001]

Yes. ICT no longer leads to ILR so if you do apply for Tier 2 General, you will have a new 5 year residence period before you qualify for ILR.