Sending the visa application while current visa expires

[K_Bilo]

I am in the process of finishing my visa application (extending my tier 2 general visa). I am off on holiday until the end of August so I won't be able to send my visa application till then. Is there a time limit of when my visa application is still accepted? Do I need to send it as soon as it is filled out?

Also, my current tier 2 visa expires october 1st. Can I stay in the UK while waiting for my new visa application to be processed?

[Akorotaeva]

How are you applying? By post?

Yes, if you're extending with the same employer, you can make an application before your current leave expires. It then gets extended until a decision is made on your new application (so you can stay in the UK). Just make sure you make the new application before Oct 1st.