Clarification about ILR

[mmk622]

Hi,

I have been in UK from past 4.5 years (Arrived in UK with Tier-2 Established staff visa on 10-Jan-2011).
Since then I have been working with a client through a Indian company which sponsered my visa.

For the first time, my visa was Tier-2 Established staff for 1 year, later after renewing in UK , I was granted Tier-2 ICT Long term visa.
I have renewed my visa thrice in UK only.

Am I eligible for applying ILR after completing 5 years on 10-Jan-2016 ?
Is it mandatory to get a letter from current employer to prove that I am working with them ?
What is SOC ?
I heard that we can submit the documents manually in Birmigham and once UKBA is happy, we can pay the ILR free at counter. Is it true ?

Please clarify.

Thanks in Advance

[rukmesh]

Tier 2 ICT staff after April 6 2010, are not eligible for ILR. Seniors would like to correct me if I am wrong ?

Since you have come after April 6,2010 you would not be eligible.

Good luck

[secret.simon]

You are likely not eligible to apply for ILR. Tier 2 ICT holders have been ineligible to get ILR since 2010.

The requirements for Tier 2 ICT are given under Paragraph 245GF of the Immigration Rules. Do a search for "245GF" within the document.

[mmk622]

Rukmesh and Simon, Thanks a lot for the clarification.

Was thinking I can get ILR. Your replies made things clear.

[secret.simon]

You may want to look at the Tier 2 forum and see if you can move from Tier 2 ICT to Tier 2 General. You will need to do five years of Tier 2 General under current rules to get ILR.

Be aware that rules may be tightened yet further. So do research rules thoroughly before progressing matters.