Extension of visa

[min]

hi guys,

i am on tier 2 - general visa which expires on 13th january 2012. my contract has been renewed by two years and my COS should be ready by next week. i have important travel plans in january and i would like to get my visa by 6th january at the latest.

i would like to apply by post as soon as i receive the COS (say 11th november) which would give me enough time to get the visa back by early january. but would this result in a gap of one month to complete five year continuous employment? and affect my chance of getting an indefinite leave to remain? please let me know if you have any information or experience on this

the other option is to apply in person in mid-december? but i have been trying to book an appointment and it is a right pain to get that done given how obscure the booking system is.

many thanks,
jas