Tier 2 ICT - ILR

[ramustang]

Hi there,
I hold a Tier 2 ICT (CoS) visa which was issued to me during June 2010. There is no break in my visa. However, I had to work offshore (in India) due to business reasons from Aug 2011 to Feb 2012. Otherwise, I am continuously staying in the UK and completing 5 years this June'2015. Am I eligible for ILR under this category visa?

[t2ict]

As you didn't have Tier 2 ICT leave before 06 April 2010, you're not eligible for ILR via 5 years route. If you continue to stay & work in the UK with the same employer until June 2020, you may become eligible for ILR via 10 years route (Long Residence), provided the UKBA visa rules remains the same at that time as of now.

[ramustang]

As you didn't have Tier 2 ICT leave before 06 April 2010, you're not eligible for ILR via 5 years route. If you continue to stay & work in the UK with the same employer until June 2020, you may become eligible for ILR via 10 years route (Long Residence), provided the UKBA visa rules remains the same at that time as of now.

Thanks for your answer;
Some more questions from me:
Is there any advantage if I switch to T2 General visa category and is that possible? Like, it would help me to change employer? If I change my employer (if possible), will the stay tenure for ILR still be the same under T2 General?
Thanks in advance!