Can I hold two visas?

[Halcyon]

Hi,

I currently hold a Dependent - Tier-2 (General) valid until middle of 2016, based on my wife's visa. I am in india currently. My company is asking me to apply for an Tier-2 ICT valid for 18 months to travel to UK for a project. My question,

1) Can I apply/hold for the ICT Visa when I already have an Tier-2 dependent category visa ?
2) If not, if I go ahead and apply for a ICT, what would happen? Will they reject my ICT or give me ICT and cancel my existing dependent visa ?

Thanks,
Roopesh

[manci]

if your T2 ICT entry clearance application from your home country is successful your dependant visa will be cancelled.

[vinny]

Dependent - Tier-2 (General) holders may work in any company, except as a doctor/dentist in training (319D(b)(iii)). It seems like they want to chain you to their company. As your leave is also valid until the middle of 2016, it is totally unnecessary and therefore illogical to apply for a shorter 18-month ICT Tier 2 visa, unless you will be working as a doctor/dentist in training.

Moreover, new ICT Tier 2 holders cannot qualify for ILR in this category. Who will pay for you to switch back to dependant status in 18 months' time? Your qualifying period for ILR in the dependant category will also be reset.

Hence, changing status may give you a lot of subsequent problems for ILR. So, it's in your best interests not to change (except for doctors/dentists in training).