Contract Term - How many Years?

[Abdoulla.Elgazzar]

Hi - I am writing to understand how many years the Tier2 visa should be valid for? I know the that the Tier2 visa will be issued for the length of the contract between me and the sponsor plus extra couple of weeks. Is that correct?

If yes, does my company have to state the number of years of the contract during applying for the COS?

[arsenal49]

tier 2 visa can be issued for 3 years (max) or the contract duration mentioned on your COS, whichever is of shorter duration.

Tier 2 extention is for 2 years (max) or the contract duration mentioned on your COS, whichever is of shorter duration.

after 5 years on tier 2 you become eligible for ilr (5 years) provided you satisfy the earning requirements for ilr

[Abdoulla.Elgazzar]

Thanks to mentioned this. I have to ask my company to state clearly the number of agreed years.

[ShrutiBlue]

arsenal49- I've recently been confused by the extension period. Initially when I was reading up on Tier 2 General last month, on many UKBA pages and documents it was mentioned that the duration of leave to remain in the UK under Tier 2 is 3 years and it is extendable by another 3 years so that the maximum period is 6 years. But I also recently read somewhere that the extension is for 2 years (can't remember where) and now you're saying its 2 years as well. is there a difference between the two conditions or have the rules changed again?

It doesn't really matter to me because I will qualify for ILR after 5 years anyway, even if I keep earning £20300 a year, but I still wanted to clarify.
Thanks!

[onlooker]

The rules have change recently making the extension last 3 years by default.