Extending Tier 2 General Visa

[ashleyransoo]

Hello All,

I am currently on Tier 2 general visa. I have my wife as a dependant on my visa and a child who was born in the UK last year who does not have any visa yet.

I first applied for Tier 2 General in September 2010 when I was refused and then appealed after which I was granted Tier 2 General In February 2011. (Rules in place pre April 2011 applies to me I believe)

My visa expires on the 07/10/2015. This does not add up to 5 years for me to apply for ILR as I would be missing a few months.

(A) My best guess is I will have to extend for the additional time to make up 5 years. However, I have read that you can be on tier 2 general for a maximum of 6 years. (Does this apply to everyone? applying for Tier 2 General extension)

(B) Also, will I need to apply for the Healthcare surcharge? (new rules in place) I currently have private healthcare for my whole family.

(C) My employer needs to apply for a COS number, I was wondering what end date should we put on the COS number when requesting. 08/10/2015 to 08/10/2016 or 08/10/2015 to 11/02/2016 (Date at which I will be eligible for ILR)?

(D) I was TUPE'd earlier this year. Is there anything else my employer would need to do as part of my extension application. I am aware that I appear on my current Employer Sponsorship system already and under the impression that it should not be a problem?

(E) Is it necessary for me to apply for my child if she/he is not going to travel?

I would be very grateful, If someone could shed some light on my above queries. Respected members and moderators, I should be very thankful to all of you.

Best wishes,
Ashley.

[talk2ram.28]

(A) My best guess is I will have to extend for the additional time to make up 5 years. However, I have read that you can be on tier 2 general for a maximum of 6 years. (Does this apply to everyone? applying for Tier 2 General extension)
According to what I know for rules prior to Apr 2011 there is not limit for extending your tier 2 general.

(B) Also, will I need to apply for the Healthcare surcharge? (new rules in place) I currently have private healthcare for my whole family.
Yes for all future applications.

(C) My employer needs to apply for a COS number, I was wondering what end date should we put on the COS number when requesting. 08/10/2015 to 08/10/2016 or 08/10/2015 to 11/02/2016 (Date at which I will be eligible for ILR)?
You can probably ask them for 3 years(to be on safer side in case you have issues with ILR you can still work till your end date of COS) or the minimum for reaching ILR(you will save on tax but might be risky as you don't have buffer time in ILR)



(D) I was TUPE'd earlier this year. Is there anything else my employer would need to do as part of my extension application. I am aware that I appear on my current Employer Sponsorship system already and under the impression that it should not be a problem?
Please check with UKBA directly.

(E) Is it necessary for me to apply for my child if she/he is not going to travel?
If the child was born here and has never travelled outside/not going to travel outside there is not requirement for a visa

[ashleyransoo]

Dear talk2ram.28,

Many thanks for your clarifications.

(A) My best guess is I will have to extend for the additional time to make up 5 years. However, I have read that you can be on tier 2 general for a maximum of 6 years. (Does this apply to everyone? applying for Tier 2 General extension)
According to what I know for rules prior to Apr 2011 there is not limit for extending your tier 2 general.

Can anyone else confirm about this please? Is there no limit of 6 years for extending if you were first granted Tier 2 General prior to April 2011?

(B) Also, will I need to apply for the Healthcare surcharge? (new rules in place) I currently have private healthcare for my whole family.
Yes for all future applications.

This currently works out £200 per year per person. I heard of HO reviewing this later this year, does anyone have any info when this would be and what they intend to review? As it stands, someone's application along with dependent/s can work out to be a very significant figure which has to be paid upfront with no refund if your visa is granted.

(C) My employer needs to apply for a COS number, I was wondering what end date should we put on the COS number when requesting. 08/10/2015 to 08/10/2016 or 08/10/2015 to 11/02/2016 (Date at which I will be eligible for ILR)?
You can probably ask them for 3 years(to be on safer side in case you have issues with ILR you can still work till your end date of COS) or the minimum for reaching ILR(you will save on tax but might be risky as you don't have buffer time in ILR)

Since I will be eligible for ILR in Feb 2016, I am thinking of extending for 1 year (October 2015 to October 2016) for myself and my dependent.

Also, do we have to apply online now and no paper form availble unless you are applying using premium service?

Many thanks,
Ashley

[vinny]

Dear talk2ram.28,

Many thanks for your clarifications.

(A) My best guess is I will have to extend for the additional time to make up 5 years. However, I have read that you can be on tier 2 general for a maximum of 6 years. (Does this apply to everyone? applying for Tier 2 General extension)
According to what I know for rules prior to Apr 2011 there is not limit for extending your tier 2 general.

Can anyone else confirm about this please? Is there no limit of 6 years for extending if you were first granted Tier 2 General prior to April 2011?

See also 245HE(b) and How long is leave normally granted for?