Please help/advise tier2 (g) extension

[mjm9691]

My wife ( main applicant), me and 2 children 14 and 16yrs old as dependents have leave to remain expiring on 11/08/2013. Please help regarding the following questions I have as per numbering:
category: tier 2 (general)
visa date on passport: 11/08/2010
Expiry: 11/08/2013
date of entry in UK: 19/09/2010

1. As we are applying all together by post is it must to first apply online and then send documents by post or is it ok to post application directly with all required documents, passports and UK postal order and wait for BRP letter.
2. Which date would be the best option to get further 3 yrs COS from employer
3. What date should the postal application be sent to UKBA
4. Are these the correct forms for the main applicant http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitec ... nform1.pdf
and for each dependent http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitec ... ation1.pdf

[terriblescream]

1. It is not must to apply online - you can apply by downloading the form and filling it yourself.
2. Your CoS start date should be just after the expiry of your current leave
3. If applied online - the supporting documents should be sent within 15 days
4. I'd recommend apply online as they tell you according to what you fill in the supporting documents they need

[mjm9691]

Thankyou for the reply, can you please clarify:

1. Regarding the assigning date of COS, as visa expires on 10/08/13 can it be assigned on 11/05/2013 that is before 3 months of visa expiry so that we may be able to apply in May 2013 as it may take process to complete before visa expiry. Am I correct that the next visa starting date would be from 11/08/13.

2. As it is a further 3 year extension which will total 6 years for us is it ok to apply for ILR at the end of 5 years stay (rules before 6/4/2011 apply to us)