Yes, I am thinking the same.
My extension is due in Dec this year (2011) so I am thinking to get the extension before Aprail 2011 but not sure if it is right thing to do.
One downside of doing
early extension is the thing mentioned in the original post of meeting the 5 year requirement for settlement.
That is, if I apply for my extention by March 2011 (for example) instead of my actuall Dec 2011, and get a 2 year extension till March 2013. I will be short of 7 months for settlement and will need to re-apply for another extension to complete my 5 years.
However, If i go by my actual expiry date of Dec 2011 and get a 2 year extension till Dec 2013, I will still be short of 45 days !! from settlement as I came to UK after 45 days of getting the VISA and I am not sure if i will be required to re-apply in that case as well or not.
If I go by this
ECB09 rule which states:
"Where an applicant may not intend or be able to travel to the UK immediately following their application: the ECO has discretion to defer the 'effective' date until the date of travel, or up to 3 months from the date of issue, whichever is shorter."
I may not need to re-apply if I am short of 45 days but I am stil in doubt
Anybody please help !
theroyale wrote:My Tier-1 expires Feb 2012. In the current uncertain climate would it make sense for me to apply for an extension before April 2011? (I don't care about the 'shortfall' towards ILR, I would just like a 2-year extension at this point). Are there others who are thinking about doing this?