Tier 2 general extension cap

[vinit_tyagi]

I am working on tier 2 general visa. My visa is due for renewal in December this year as I will complete 2 years. I read somewhere that tier 2 cap for this year has already been met and all new applications will have to wait.
My question is:
1. Is there a cap on renewals as well?
2. My visa expires on 17 Dec 2015. what would be the best time to apply for renewal? Is it Ok to apply one month before expiry?
3. Should we (Myself and dependents) go for premium service?
4. I gave them IELTS certificate when I made my application. The certificate is now expired. Do I need to do IELTS again. I have a degree taught in English though.


Thanks,
Vinit

[moonlight55]

I am working on tier 2 general visa. My visa is due for renewal in December this year as I will complete 2 years. I read somewhere that tier 2 cap for this year has already been met and all new applications will have to wait.
My question is:
1. Is there a cap on renewals as well?
No. You will need a unrestricted CoS for extension.

2. My visa expires on 17 Dec 2015. what would be the best time to apply for renewal? Is it Ok to apply one month before expiry?
Should be fine.

3. Should we (Myself and dependents) go for premium service?
If it's not urgent, you can go via post. It's cost effective.

4. I gave them IELTS certificate when I made my application. The certificate is now expired. Do I need to do IELTS again. I have a degree taught in English though.
Not required. You can fulfill english requirement on the basis of your previous application.

Thanks,
Vinit

[ultraltduk]

Hi There,
Got worried now with extension as my Tier 2 General is expiring in August 2016. Do you think it will affect my extension as my visa application was done in August 2013.
With the cap affect me any my wife as well?
Will the salary needs to be £35000 as per new rules now.
I even cannot find my shortage occupation list now listed in new list and worried if i can extend my visa or now.
Your advise if highly appreciable.

Regards,

[physicskate]

Hi There,
Got worried now with extension as my Tier 2 General is expiring in August 2016. Do you think it will affect my extension as my visa application was done in August 2013.
With the cap affect me any my wife as well?
Will the salary needs to be £35000 as per new rules now.
I even cannot find my shortage occupation list now listed in new list and worried if i can extend my visa or now.
Your advise if highly appreciable.

Regards,

Have you actually READ manci's reply above? Some of the questions you are asking are answered above.

Get an unrestricted CoS. It doesn't matter if your occupation is no longer on the Shortage list as you don't need to do an RLMT to renew.

£35K is only when applying for ILR after April 2016 (the salary requirement will increase each year). You just need to be paid at or above SoC rate for your job for the extension. Why are you worried about the extension over a year before it is due??

Google 'uk shortage occupation list' to see if your job is still on it...