Can we get Tier 1 Extensions for as long as we like ?

[xs2ahmed]

Hi,
I am unable to stay in the Uk consistenly for 5 years my tier 1 visa application was in march 2009 since then I had one extension my next extension is due soon.

My parents are in my home country and for me it is very difficult to stay here continuously for 5 years.

During this period I have been out of UK for at least a total of 2+ years (1 year visit back home each time since my mother had an accident , also my father had a heart surgery) so I believe my 5 year continuous period is already reset

I was told by a friend that Tier 1 General extension will continue to exist and therefore I can continue getting extensions .

Can you give advise if extension for tier 1 general will be supported by Home office for indefinite period of time or will they stop it at some point and I will no longer be able to continue with extension ? can you advise me ?

Thanks,

[Lucapooka]

I would imagine the overwhelming majority of T1(gen) migrants will switch or gain ILR in the very near future. For those that continue, it might be removed in the future but there have been no announcements. There are practical reasons for this. I can't see how the UKBA could continue to entertain the notion of a T1(Gen) migrant spending the majority of his time outside the UK, perhaps even with a tax-exempt status, while his dependant family remain in the UK and enjoy the benefits of health and education that a mature welfare like the UK has to offer.