Help Needed on TIER 2 General Switch

[h_s_m_p]

Hi,

I am in UK on ICT Long Term Staff visa with the validity till March 2016. Prior to this i was in UK from January 2011 to 2013 Jan and then spent 1 year cooling period in my country.

I would like to know the below details. Can the experienced users help me on this.

1) Can I apply for the visa from within country.
2) Do I need to quit my existing job before I get the final answer on TIER 2 General switch over status
3) After getting TIER 2 general is there any chances of doing contract/permanent role with the existing employer. If not, do I need to follow any cooling period.
4) What would be the overall visa processing timelines.
5) Do I need to maintain any bank balance prior to the visa submission.

Thanks