HSMP (Tier 1) Extension in Advance

[marrik]

Hi All,

I applied for HSMP in Nov 07 and have a 2 years visa expiring in Dec 09 (With wife on dependant visa expiring same time). We are expecting our first baby around May 09 Now I'm slighty confused on what to do next as my wife and my baby will be travelling to Dubai and India around July for couple of months. I see two possible scenarios.

1. Apply for Baby's passport and then visa around May end or June in UK. And then apply again in couple of months for FLR

2. Apply for my FLR along with my wife and baby around June 2009 which will be 5 months in advance. Now am not sure if we can apply for an extension 5 months before?.

If I am able to apply in June 2009 and its for 3 years, will I get extension for 3 years starting June 2009-June 2012 or will it be Dec 2009-Dec 2012. Reason being, to apply for ILR i believe i should be in UK for a period of 4 years and 11 months which wont be satisfied if i happen to apply in advance for the above mentioned reasons.

This forum helped us a lot in preparing for our HSMP application when i applied first time and hope experienced members can guide me in this regard.

Really appreciate your inputs.

Many Thanks.

[push]

PBS Guidance note says that they encourage the applicants to apply 5 weeks before their current leave expires. Now there does not seem to be a clear guideline as to how much in advance can one apply, atleast not that I know of. People have got renewals as early as 6 months in advance where they provided some kind of proof supporting the early application. Some have managed to get VISAs stamped with desired post dating and some have not.

Looks like it is a case of how strongly can you argue ur case and support it with some proof for an early application.