Tier 2 CoS employment start date

[tristanintheuk]

Hi,

My employer has assigned an unrestricted certificate of sponsorship(CoS) to me. Currently I have a student BRP which is valid until 30 Jan 2015, but the start date on CoS is 31 Jan 2015, which is apparently later than the expiry date of my current leave.

My friend has the same expiry date BRP as me, but his CoS has start date before the expiry date of BRP, and now he has successfully get his new Tier 2 permit.

I am wondering will this be a problem if the start date on CoS is later than the last day of leave given on my current BRP?

Thank you.

[Frontier Mole]

Not going to be an issue.

[tristanintheuk]

Not going to be an issue.

and another question is that: I am going to apply a tier 2 general visa that is up to 3 years, so what is the maximum work duration the CoS can state? i.e. the duration between the start date and end date on CoS.

[Frontier Mole]

It can state any period upto 5 years as that is the maximum period a COS can cover.
So your start date to any period is the official answer but best to put a date that gives you the oppertunity to get at least three years on your visa.

[tristanintheuk]

It can state any period upto 5 years as that is the maximum period a COS can cover.
So your start date to any period is the official answer but best to put a date that gives you the oppertunity to get at least three years on your visa.

But the visa type I am applying is up to 3 years, can CoS state a 5 years period ?

[Frontier Mole]

You are getting to hung up about what the COS is all about. It is no more than a means to state the sponsor is offering you a qualifying role and they intend to employ you.
As long as they put a date in the future be it two years 9 months or four years it is on no consequence.
You apply for a three year visa end of.

[tristanintheuk]

You are getting to hung up about what the COS is all about. It is no more than a means to state the sponsor is offering you a qualifying role and they intend to employ you.
As long as they put a date in the future be it two years 9 months or four years it is on no consequence.
You apply for a three year visa end of.

No, if the period of engagement showed on CoS is more than 3 years, I will have to apply a 5 years Tier 2 visa, which also required a experienced salary rate rather than the new entrant rate.