Can i apply for Tier-2 General Visa Extension ?

Hi All

My Tier-2 General Visa is due to expire in Dec 2016. And i will be eligible for ILR in Dec 2018.

My question is -

1. Can i apply for a Tier-2 extension now with 8 months of visa left? Is there any chances of rejection just because i am applying early?

2. If i apply now (with application for upto 3 years extension), what will be the start and end date of my extended visa?

Reason for applying early.
- Want to get a house mortgage so need longer visa validity.
- I have lot of business travel plans towards end of the year.
- of course, one less thing to worry about if i get it done with now.

-RA

1. Yes, you can I suppose, nothing stopping you.

2. It will be valid from the date of approval for 3 years (if that is what you are applying for and the CoS says). The new visa will NOT start from your current expiring of December for example.