Tier 2 ICT to General - Recieved ICT in January 2012

[nimaybmehta]

I came to UK on Tier 2 ICT in January 2012. I am looking to move to Tier 2 general next year. Firstly, is this possible. My current employer is happy to sponsor me but i need to know if i can do this without serving the required cool-off period

[poper]

When was your Tier 2 ICT issued?

Check Q3 in below link:

uk-tier-2-employer-sponsored-visas/faqs ... 98916.html

[nimaybmehta]

It was issued in January 2012

[CR001]

No you cannot switch to Tier 2 General with the same employer. The rules do not permit this. The link that 'poper' provided clearly states this in Q3 point 3.

Q3 - I do not qualify for settlement under the Tier 2 (ICT route). Can I switch to Tier 2 (General)?
UKV&I defines "switching" as changing immigration category by making a leave to remain application from within the UK.
Only certain Tier 2 (ICT) migrants are alowed to "switch" to Tier 2 (General). Only those who:
1. have previously had leave as a Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) Migrant under the Rules in place before 6 April 2010, or in the Established Staff sub-category under the Rules in place before 6 April 2011, and
2. not have been granted entry clearance in this or any other route since the grant of leave referred to in (i) above; and
3. not be applying to work for the same Sponsor as sponsored him when he was last granted leave.

[poper]

Curious to know. If your visa was issued in Jan 2012 you would've completed 5 years and left the UK.
Your post suggests you are still in the UK. Have you moved to a different visa?

[CR001]

Curious to know. If your visa was issued in Jan 2012 you would've completed 5 years and left the UK.
Your post suggests you are still in the UK. Have you moved to a different visa?

Good point, unless OP is on Established staff etc. Annoying when people don't post the exact category