Earlist possible time to apply for HSMP extension

hi there,

My FLR under existing HSMP expires in Oct. 2009. but i've just lost my job and the economic situation is not looking too good. I w. Furthermore, when I do go for job interviews, and they ask me how long I can work for them and I say 1 year,m they say they would prefer longer; hence my request to get the 3-year extension sooner rather than later.

I did have a 1 year work permit from 2006 october to october 2007, so theoretically with the 1 year HSMP already gone by, I only need a further 3 years to get my PR (hopefully).

So based on the 1st paragraph reasoning, would I be able to apply now for my HSMP extension even though my FLR expires only on October next year.

Hope someone can help.

Thanks
Sean

extension application should not be earlier than 28days before expiry of current leave so that means sept as the earliest (depending upon the end date of your leave in Oct).

seanjoe wrote:hi there,

My FLR under existing HSMP expires in Oct. 2009. but i've just lost my job and the economic situation is not looking too good. I w. Furthermore, when I do go for job interviews, and they ask me how long I can work for them and I say 1 year,m they say they would prefer longer; hence my request to get the 3-year extension sooner rather than later.

I did have a 1 year work permit from 2006 october to october 2007, so theoretically with the 1 year HSMP already gone by, I only need a further 3 years to get my PR (hopefully).

So based on the 1st paragraph reasoning, would I be able to apply now for my HSMP extension even though my FLR expires only on October next year.

Hope someone can help.

Thanks
Sean

the thing is when i phoned them up, they told me that you can apply as long as you give a reason why.

so i guess what you are saying is that they will reject it if i apply right? or will they refund me the money and say to apply later?

sorry to be a pest, but its just that the call rep advised that i could go ahead.

I will advice the following...

Send an email to Tier 1 Contact Centre and make enquiries specifically requesting that you need to have over 1 year leave remaining on your Tier 1 as employers are frowning at the fact that you have only 1 year left. Let them know you dont mind paying but need to confirm also that your leave if granted will be enough to reach the qualifying point for ILR (as of current criteria of 5 years)

Bear in mind though that you have to qualify under the Tier 1 PBS assessment though.

If the reply is favourable, then apply for Tier 1 extension making sure to attach the letter you got from the contact centre.

Do not believe anything an HO adviser says that is not written down in black and white

All the best

hi,
My brother is on HSMP(1+3+3)
His 3 year extension was expiring in december 08. He applied for extension in June 08 stating that he intends to visit abroad for a month around october and want to apply earlier for convenience. His Visa was returned with expiry till December 2011 in September. Hope this Helps

Another confirmation is my own case which is now HSMP 1+4+3.

My +4 was supposed to end in July 2010 but will not be able to apply for ILR till August 2010, and with a newborn that I want to travel out with my wife and I, we decided to apply in September 2008 (applying 2 years ealier) and was given visa till October 2011, thus curtailing part of my +4 but giving me enough time for ILR.

Note however that I am originally on HSMP old criteria, this is why I said earlier that you need to confirm with HO first on what will happen to your case.

thanks you all. this is the official reply i got from them.....

"Dear Sean,

Thank you for your email.

In reply to your email, I can confirm that it is recommended to make
your application for extension 5-6 weeks before your current visa is due
to expire, however there is nothing to stop you applying early. I would
recommend you add a cover letter stating why you are applying early and
this would be dealt with under the case workers discretion.

I hope this is helpful.

Yours Sincerely,

xxx

Customer Service Advisor
Customer Contact Centre
UK Border Agency
PO Box 3468
Sheffield
S3 8NU

Telephone: 0114 207 4074
Fax: 0114 207 4000

"

guess nothing to stop me from trying. thanks all.