Tier-2 ICT (Long Term Staff Migrant) to Tier-2 General

[kapil121978]

Dear Moderator,

I know there are many posts addressing the question that I am going to ask, but after going through posts / their responses and talking to people I am left bit confused. Hence wanted to take your guidance.

Current situation:
I am currently on Tier-2 ICT (LTS) with current CoS expiring on 28th, May'2015 and the new CoS has been issued from 28th, May'2015 till 27th, May'2016. I need to apply for BRP card through expedited root, which I would be doing before May'2015 end.
Also to mention I entered UK on 7th,July'2012 on the current visa, and since then had been staying in UK.

Query:
1. Is it possible for me to change employer in UK, as I get lot of calls from prospective employers in UK. Since I am not sure about the possibility, I never respond to such queries.
2. If yes, under what circumstances can I change my employer? What is the process involved? Who are reputed immigration lawyers to deal to take services in regard to application process?
3. What is the possibility of conversion of my visa category from Tier-2 ICT (LTS) to Tier-2 General.

Thanks in advance for taking time for going through query and responding to it!
KS

[akshayapte]

I don't think you can switch to Tier 2 General within the country since you came to UK after April 2011. You will have to go back and apply from your home country, I am not sure about the cooling off period applicable to your case.

[moonlight55]

- You cannot change employers within UK.
- If you are able to find an employer who is ready to sponsor your for Tier 2 General, you need to go back to your home country & apply.
- You will be subject to a cool-off period of 12 months from the day you leave Uk before you can apply for Tier 2 General.

[kapil121978]

Thanks akshayapte..

I don't think you can switch to Tier 2 General within the country since you came to UK after April 2011. You will have to go back and apply from your home country, I am not sure about the cooling off period applicable to your case.

[kapil121978]

Thanks moonlight55

- You cannot change employers within UK.
- If you are able to find an employer who is ready to sponsor your for Tier 2 General, you need to go back to your home country & apply.
- You will be subject to a cool-off period of 12 months from the day you leave Uk before you can apply for Tier 2 General.

[kapil121978]

manci, request if you can also provide your views... or do you agree with what akshayapte and moonlight55 have mentioned?

Dear Moderator,

I know there are many posts addressing the question that I am going to ask, but after going through posts / their responses and talking to people I am left bit confused. Hence wanted to take your guidance.

Current situation:
I am currently on Tier-2 ICT (LTS) with current CoS expiring on 28th, May'2015 and the new CoS has been issued from 28th, May'2015 till 27th, May'2016. I need to apply for BRP card through expedited root, which I would be doing before May'2015 end.
Also to mention I entered UK on 7th,July'2012 on the current visa, and since then had been staying in UK.

Query:
1. Is it possible for me to change employer in UK, as I get lot of calls from prospective employers in UK. Since I am not sure about the possibility, I never respond to such queries.
2. If yes, under what circumstances can I change my employer? What is the process involved? Who are reputed immigration lawyers to deal to take services in regard to application process?
3. What is the possibility of conversion of my visa category from Tier-2 ICT (LTS) to Tier-2 General.

Thanks in advance for taking time for going through query and responding to it!
KS