Tier 2 Visa extension

[Mala_Mi]

Hello,

one of our employees who moved to UK on Tier 2 Visa in May and was granted 3 years leave upon application would like to extend his Visa to 5 years.
Is possible to apply for extension so soon? I checked the guidelines but cannot find any information on that?
Would his application mean that we need to provide him with another Certificate of Sponsorship? his current one is valid for 3 years. Can one person use two Certificates of Sponsorship at the same time?

I would really appreciate your insights on this matter.

[CR001]

Unlikely as he has a valid visa for a substantial period.

A new CoS would be needed yes and a new application with fees and IHS.

What is his reason for wanting a 5 year visa now?

Why not simply extend shortly before his current visa expires?

[Mala_Mi]

Thank you for your reply.
I think he wants to buy a house here and won't be able to get a loan whit 3 years visa, so he asked for our help. I am not sure he would even be granted an extension after such short stay...
And finally, can he have two CoS valid for different periods of time?

[CR001]

A 5 year visa won't make a difference in buying a home. Most lenders prefer permanent residence.

It would be a poor reason in Home Offices view. Such an early extension, not even a year in, will likely be scrutinised by ho as it is unusual and extensions are usually applied for within 3 months of visa expiry.

Many have bought with 3 year visas, they just don't get the best rates or deal.

If you do it and a new visa is granted, his old visa and cos will be cancelled.

Why wasn't a 5 year cos initially given?

Is the person a an experienced salaried one or a new entrant salary etc?

[CR001]

Has he maybe considered that it is the fact he has been in the UK for a very short time, has very short proof of UK earnings, likely has very little credit record and wants a loan for a substantial amount in an uncertain property climate?

[Mala_Mi]

Thank you for your replies.
We are a small business and it was our business decision to go with 3 year CoS.
He is an experienced engineer with salary much higher than entry level. He was told at his bank that his deposit could be lower if he had longer visa. Somehiw I don't think Home Office would take it into consideration though...