Tier 2G early Extension

[alam85]

Good afternoon everyone.
I have Tier 2G visa valid till April 2016. Is it possible for me to apply for an extension this October which is 6 months prior to my visa expiry. The company I work for is A rated and happy to assign me a COS for the SAME POSITION for another 3 years.

PS: I talked to a solicitor who told me I can not extend my visa more than 3 moths before expiry! But i read different in this forum. Any input will be highly appreciated.

[alam85]

This is the reply i just found in another thread. I believe this applies in my case. Please correct me if i am wrong.

Hi Experts/Gurus,

I'm writing this to check what is the earliest that I make an Tier2 General Extension application. I'm looking to apply at least 3 months before my current leave expires. My current leave is due to expire on 22 Jan 2016, and planning to apply my extension on 01 Nov 2015.

By reading some of the older posts I can see that the application can be made before my current leave to remain expires. However, the posts being very old I'm not sure if that rule is still applicable, especially after the introduction of new immigration policy of paying NHS surcharge.

Also it would be great to know if any of you have been successful recently by making an earlier Tier2 General Extension application?

Any help is much appreciated.

Kind Regards
Mosi

if you have a CoS you can apply for an extension any time while you have valid leave but within 3 months of the CoS assignment date. You'll have to pay the IHS for the whole period you are applying for but if there is an overlap UKVI will refund the difference (or so they say)

[alam85]

Just out of curiosity, what happens to the existing visa if an early extension is refused? Does it remain valid for the specified period?

[CR001]

It should remain valid if an extension is refused. Why do you want to apply early? Will you have a shortfall to meet 5 years residence which will mean you need another extension?

Your extension will not be from the expiry date of current visa, it will be from date it is issued, hence why you might end up with a shortfall to meet the 5 years residence if you want to apply for ILR.

You will also have to pay the new IHS Surcharge before you apply and for 3 years extension it is £600.

[alam85]

It should remain valid if an extension is refused. Why do you want to apply early? Will you have a shortfall to meet 5 years residence which will mean you need another extension?

Your extension will not be from the expiry date of current visa, it will be from date it is issued, hence why you might end up with a shortfall to meet the 5 years residence if you want to apply for ILR.

You will also have to pay the new IHS Surcharge before you apply and for 3 years extension it is £600.

Thank you for your kind reply CR001.
My initial tier2 leave was granted on May 2013. By my calculation i will have completed 2years 5+ months by October. So if i get another 3 years extension I should be fine for ILR right?

Thank you once again.