Tier 2 ICT in May'11. Is ILR possible ?

[GP_Singh]

Hi - I would appreciate if you can help answering these queries:

I applied for Tier2 ICT visa before 6th April 2011. I was issued visa with stamp mentioning start date as 1 May’11. I understand that some rules were changed on 6th April'11 wherein the candidates under ICT were made non-eligible for ILR.
1. Do I fall under rules prior to 6th Ap'11 or after based on date of application or visa stamp?
2. Can I apply for ILR after completing 5 years in UK ?
3. Do I need to shift to Tier2 (G) for ILR?
4. Can I shift to Tier 2 (General) ?
5. My 5 years for ILR will be counted from 1 May'11 or the date I shift to Tier 2 (General) in future ?
6. Is period spent under Tier 2 ICT counted towards ILR after I shift to Tier 2 (G)? For example, 3 years under Tier 2 (ICT) and 2 years under Tier2 (G) aggregating to 5 years.

[t2ict]

What's the exact wording of your initial Tier 2 ICT visa (i.e., stamped on your passport) granted in May 2011 ?

[GP_Singh]

Please note the exact wording:
from 1/5/11 to 30/5/13
Type - Multi
Name - Visa Tier 2 (ICT) Established Staff ****(CoS number)

[t2ict]

As per your visa stamped information:
1. Yes, You're under the T2 ICT visa rules prior to 6th April 2011.
2. NO
3. Yes, also need to spend 5 years in T2G for ILR (your clock resets when you switch from T2 ICT established to T2G). Also be aware that from 06 april 2014, you'll only get a total of 6 years in T2 visa catagory. so in your case, you might get T2G visa until May 2017 and become not eligible for ILR (requires 5 years in T2G).
4. Yes
5 & 6. Refer point (3)

[GP_Singh]

Thanks for your prompt response.

Do I qualify for long term residency (10 years) if I continue with ICT and od not change to T2G ?
Is there any other option for ILR for me. Shifting to T1 (Ent) or something else.

[t2ict]

Yes, 10 years ILR is possible if you continue to stay in the UK with your T2ICT leave until April 2021 ...