TIER 2 6th year extension rather than ILR

[Biblo]

Hi everyone, first post here so let me know if I placed this under the wrong category.

I'm under Tier 2 and working for an international company based in UK. In April I completed my 5 year and was about to apply for ILR.

As you can imagine, Life in UK postponed and offices are closed now. A 3rd party agency is dealing with my visa application since the beginning. They also told me that for ILR applications, only standart route is available (no fast track or expedite) and could take 6-8 months.

As my BRP will expire in 25 days, they also suggested another route = apply for visa extension for the 6th year and once eveything settles down, we can apply for ILR again with fast track service anytime within this 6th year. That will also allow me not to give away my passport for 6-8 months which is quite a problem as I need to travel few times.

Just wanted to double check with you if that route makes sense and doesn't have any unwanted consequences in the future for ILR and citizenship applications.

Thanks in advance!

[zimba]

Their solution is stupid. No original document or passport is submitted anymore. This has been the case since 2018 as all evidence are scanned and sent digitally. Who is advising you ???!

You should apply for ILR directly, leave the LIUK section empty for now. Your application will be on hold and you will be protected by Section 3C as your visa gets extended automatically. You sit the test later when things open up and then attend the biometrics providing the LIUK pass number.

No application is being decided until you attend biometrics. Going for extension has no advantage at all and is a waste of money.