Switching from EEA Family Permit to Tier 2

[EEAFamPermitqs]

Hi all,

hoping to get some advice as I've been some conflicting things online. My next step will be to speak to a immigration lawyer, but hoping this group can give me some clarity on questions I've got.

Current situation:
I'm an Australian citizen and have been in the UK from 2017 on an EEA Family Permit visa. We are unmarried but have lived together for 10 years. Due to relationship issues, I want to move off the EEA Family Permit and onto a Tier 2 visa.

I'm currently employed and my company is on the Tier 2 Register of Sponsors.

I'd like to know:
1. I've read conflicting reports that I would need to go back to my home country (Australia) in order to apply for the switch, can anyone confirm that this is correct?
2. Would switching reset the 5 year count to ILR?
3. Is there anything else I should consider when thinking about switching these visas?

Many thanks in advance for any responses!

[CR001]

1. You have to apply from Australia. You cannot switch within the UK.

2. Yes, you need 5 years on tier 2 before you can apply for ILR. You cannot use different visa or family permit categories combined to make up 5 years for ILR.