Switching to Tier2(Gen) from Tier2(ICT) outside UK

[sunchaser1360]

Hi Experts,

I recently shifted from UK to Singapore due to project requirements with my current employer. I currently hold Tier2 (ICT) issued by current employer, valid till May 2013. My UK visa history is as follows
April 2008 - Work Permit issued
April 2010 - Visa extended under Tier 2 ICT (same employer)
April 2012 - Visa extended under Tier 2 ICT Long term staff (same employer) -- Currently valid till May 2013
Note: I have always applied for extension of UK visa since original visa issued in 2008

Now after I shifted to Singapore(about 1 month ago), I have got a job offer from UK based company which is ready to allocate me a COS(which they currently have available) for Tier2 (General) visa.

Questions that I have are:
1. Am I eligible for to apply for Tier 2(General) when I currently hold Tier 2 ICT? If I am allowed, then will it be a switch or fresh visa application?

2. Can this be applied from Singapore?

3. Other that documents listed in UKBA site, are there any specific requirements in documentation while applying for such a case?

Any help will be much appreciated.

Many thanks

[geriatrix]

"Switching" is applying for leave to remain in a different immigration category (than one is currently in) from within the UK. From outside the UK, one can only apply for entry clearance.

1. You cannot apply for entry clearance as a Tier 2 (General) migrant for one year from the date of exit from the UK as a Tier 2 migrant.
2. Yes, if you have residence / work permit for Singapore.
3. It is a simple case of entry clearance.

To apply for entry clearance, you will need a restricted CoS.

[sunchaser1360]

Many thanks for the quick reply.

So does that mean one can only apply for a entry clearance from outside UK even when holding a currently valid Tier2 visa?