Tier 2 CoS Renewal

Hello,

My employer's current Certificate of Sponsorship expires on 31 October 2014. How soon can my employer apply for a new Certificate of Sponsorship? (This is the first renewal—I've been here for just over 2.5 years now.)

I vaguely remember they can apply/extend during the three-month window before expiry, but I can't seem to find the exact rules online now.

And while I'm here—is this the correct guide for my employer?
https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... s-guide-12

As I understand it, they just need to go on the SMS, input all the exact same information as the original application (because my job description is the same), pay something, and wait. Is that about right?

And one more question—I was interested to see the Home Office has started giving monthly reports on the number of certificates they approve...
https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... ponsorship

...if the next allocation meeting is 11 August, I presume it would be best to complete this allocation before that date? Sounds like otherwise we have to wait another month.

Many thanks everyone,

-Frank