Cooling period- Tier2 ICT to Tier2 Dependent to Tier2General

[abhiasfriend]

Hi Team,

My query is related to understanding how cooling period applies in my case, as I have not stayed out of UK after shifting my visa from ICT to Dependent.

In March 2013, I came to UK on long term ICT visa. This visa was last valid under MARCH 2016.
But in September 2015, I switch to Tier 2 Dependent, as my spouse has started working. I have not gone out of UK from the time I am on dependent visa.

In my case, how cooling period will work:

Question 1: Do I need to go out of UK for 12 months to kick off the cooling period?
OR
Question 2: My cooling period has started from Sept 2015, even though I am in UK on dependent visa.
OR
Question 3: My cooling period has started from March 2016, as I have not left the country and this would kick from the last date of my approved stay in UK on ICT visa.

Question 4: My plan is to get back to Tier 2 General. If I am able to do so, would 5 years of ILR period will account the time my spouse was main applicant (Sept 2015) even after she switches back to my dependent.

Regards.

[poper]

Hi Team,

My query is related to understanding how cooling period applies in my case, as I have not stayed out of UK after shifting my visa from ICT to Dependent.

In March 2013, I came to UK on long term ICT visa. This visa was last valid under MARCH 2016.
But in September 2015, I switch to Tier 2 Dependent, as my spouse has started working. I have not gone out of UK from the time I am on dependent visa.

In my case, how cooling period will work:

Question 1: Do I need to go out of UK for 12 months to kick off the cooling period?
OR
Question 2: My cooling period has started from Sept 2015, even though I am in UK on dependent visa.
OR
Question 3: My cooling period has started from March 2016, as I have not left the country and this would kick from the last date of my approved stay in UK on ICT visa.

Question 4: My plan is to get back to Tier 2 General. If I am able to do so, would 5 years of ILR period will account the time my spouse was main applicant (Sept 2015) even after she switches back to my dependent.

Regards.

Your 12 month cool-off period completed by Sep 2016.
Your ILR clock will reset to 0 when you apply for a new Tier 2 General visa(assuming your spouse is on a Tier 2 General visa as well)

[abhiasfriend]

Thanks for your confirmation. It was very helpful.