From Tier 2 Dependent to Tier 2 General

[RDebroy]

I have two questions.
1. I am in the UK (between October 2013 and now) on a Tier 2 General Dependent visa (which ends in 30 September 2015). I have got a permanent job recently (which will begin in 1 September 2015) and I will be applying for Tier 2 general visa. Will the 6 year period leading upto 'cooling off' include the period I have spent in the UK as a dependent (beginning in October 2013) or will it begin when I start my term on a Tier 2 General visa in September 2015?

2. Can I switch from Tier 2 (general) dependent to a Tier 2 general within the Uk or do I need to return to my home country and apply for entry clearance?

[RDebroy]

any suggestion will be appreciated... thanks!

[iworker]

your 6 years clock will start from the day you get tier 2 general visa, dependent time will not be counted.
U will have to apply from home country, a restricted cos, rlmt is needed.

[RDebroy]

thanks a lot for your response. much appreciated.