UK Visa: Can You Switch from Tier 2 ICT to General?

No, you cannot switch directly from a UK Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) visa to a Tier 2 General (now Skilled Worker) visa from within the UK. You must leave the UK and apply from your home country or another eligible country.

Key Rules for Switching

Cooling-off Period: If your ICT visa was granted for less than 12 months, you may need to wait 12 months after leaving the UK before applying for a Skilled Worker visa.

Job Offer & Sponsorship: You must secure a job offer from a UK employer who is a licensed Skilled Worker sponsor.

Salary Requirement: The new job must meet the minimum salary threshold (£26,200/year or £10.75/hour, or £20,960 if under shortage occupation).

Immigration Skills Charge: Your employer must pay the immigration skills charge, which they were exempt from under ICT.