Tier2 extension - for 6 months

[Ganeshan]

Dear all;
I have a question with 6 month visa extension to be eligible for ILR. I have been granted 4 and half month worth of visa on two occasions which is due to expire next march 2015. To be eligible for ILR, I need only 6 months. However, when I apply for the next extension,
1. can we put two years on the COS? My understanding is that the visa will be granted only for 6 months whatever we put on the COS as 5 years is the maximum I can get. Therefore is there a problem if we put 2 years on the COS?
2. The other issue Is that I complete my 10 year long residence in May 15. In that case, is it a good idea to apply for ILR Based on the 10 year rule in May 15 or 5 year tier2 rule in nov 15?

Many thanks guys in advance much appreciated

[iworker]

if you get a cos for 2 years, u will get a visa for 2 years. There is no such limit of 5 years of total tier 2 visa.
whether to apply as tier 2 to ILR or take the LR for applying ILR will depend if you have any dependents. If you do have dependents and they have been here for few years, then it is best to wait and apply through 5 years on tier 2 as applying under 10 years route will make your dependents to wait for another 5 years before they qualify for ILR.

[mbz17]

if you get a cos for 2 years, u will get a visa for 2 years. There is no such limit of 5 years of total tier 2 visa.
whether to apply as tier 2 to ILR or take the LR for applying ILR will depend if you have any dependents. If you do have dependents and they have been here for few years, then it is best to wait and apply through 5 years on tier 2 as applying under 10 years route will make your dependents to wait for another 5 years before they qualify for ILR.

.

[Ganeshan]

Thanks

I thought there is a limit of 5 years. Do you have any idea about that 5 year story please?
I see this sentence very often in the rules. After the new rules, it is 6 years isn't it?

Pardon for my ignorance if I interpret the sentence wrongly.

Thanks again

[iworker]

since you are here before the 6 years limit for tier 2, you are not under the new rules.
Under old rules, there is no limit of 5 years what soever. you will be elegible to apply for ilr after 5 years of being on tier 2 if you satisfy other requirements of tier 2. You can also keep extending tier 2 should you wish so.

[Ganeshan]

Thanks.