Tier 2 ICT to Tier 2 General Dependent with in UK

[gaurav0098]

Hi,

I am currently on Tier 2 ICT Long term staff visa. I have been in UK since september 2012. My wife who was my dependent earlier has got Tier 2 General visa in our home country. We were clear about that her switch can't happen within the country hence she had travelled to complete it.

I had not applied along with her to become Tier 2 General Dependent thinking I can do it with in UK. However people have been confusing me with contradicting statements. Where ever I can read on this forum it clearly statest that I can apply within UK to convert my status from Tier 2 ICT long term staff to Tier 2 General dependent. however I got some other statement hence to double check I had called UKBA helpline and the guy stated that I would need to leave country for the switch to happen.

Has there been any changes in the rules recently? Or is it still valid that I can switch within the country itself?

I know this has been posted as possible on forum at a number of places but if some one can confirm this, I would be highly obliged. If possible, can you please let me know where can I see it with in the Tier 2 Dependent policy that switch within the country is not allowed.

Hoping to see a quick response from experts.

Thanks

[gaurav0098]

Hi Guys,

This is getting really confusing. I contacted 2 solicitors. One said I can do it with in the country and one said I need to go back to home country.

I am unable to plan anything due to this. Urge the experts to please point me in the correct direction. I am unable to understand which set of information is correct. If some one can point out where can I find it in policy document?

Thanks

[arts99]

however I got some other statement .

What is that other statement?

Thank you

[vinny]

You may switch in the UK (319C).

[ankjain]

you can definitely change from UK.. I know a person who has done that.
In fact from what I know, if you apply to change visa category outside UK you can do it after 12 months i.e. cooling off.

[Porus]

@ankjain, are you saying there is a 1 year cooling off period if gaurav wants to apply tier 2 dependent from outside uk immediately after his tier 2 long term ICT visa expiry? .. If so can you quote the rule where it is written so please?.