TIER 2 (Sponsored Visa) Help!

[NutellaBella]

Hi!

I'm new to this and despite doing a lot of research and reading guidelines, I am quite confused as to the steps in order to apply as some seem quite redundant but I want to inquire here so I avoid mistakes lest be at risk for rejection for incomplete steps/documents.

Sorry for this lengthy post.

The facts:
– Applying for TIER 2 (General Visa).
– Employer already obtained CoS for 5 years just today (I'm assuming it's 5 years as he said he got the maximum).
– Employer has not set a start date yet, because of the paperwork I still need to complete, we're trying to think what date is ideal in regards to the completion of my requirements and their feedback (eg. Visa Approval etc).
– I am currently doing my IELTS review and taking the UKVI Academic Exam this end of June 2017.

My questions are:

1. Employer has been granted CoS;
– A. Does the "valid for 3 months" rule automatically apply? or;
– B. Does the "valid for 3 months" rule only apply when he has issued it to me?

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2. Is it better to wait for the IELTS results, Tuberculosis Test results first before I apply online? (It takes 2 weeks btw from exam date to get IELTS results)

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3. Which of these should I select as my correct Visa type?
(Not Intra-company Transfer nor shortage occupation, just normal job sponsorship in design with no family or anyone with me, but these are the only ones that qualify for my 5 year CoS grant) because I wasn't sure how much Visa fee I'd pay. (Also, what is CESC?)

– A. Tier 2 General, ICT long term staff sponsored for over three years: applicant & dependants
– B. Tier 2 General, ICT long term staff sponsored for over three years: main applicant: CESC
– C. Tier 2 General, shortage occupation sponsored for over three years: applicant & dependants
– D. Tier 2 General, shortage occupation sponsored for more than three years: main applicant: CESC

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4. Is the online application thing different from the VFS Global thing? What happens after I apply online? Because I get confused whether the VFS Global is the PH UK Embassy placeholder?

To my understanding, once you get your CoS, the step by step would be; (correct me if I'm wrong)
1. Fill up online Application Form
2. Pay Visa Fee and Healthcare Fee online
3. Have Tuberculosis Test results ready
4. Book Embassy Appointment
5. Print Appointment Letter
6. Print Application Form
7. Print Self Assessment Form
8. Go to VFS Global on your scheduled date (15mins early) bringing the ff documents (originals & copy):
– IELTS Certification (English Lvl CEFR B1)
– Bank Statement with Proof of £ 945 in Savings
– Tuberculosis Test results/document
– Passports + Extra Passport Photos
– IDs
– Visa Receipt Fee
9. Enrol your fingerprints and photograph at VFS Global.
10. Choose your choice of courier/pick up service. Visa should be processed within 15 days.

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5. For Bank Statement with proof of £ 945 in savings, how many months of Bank Statements do I need to provide? (Last 6 months worth of bank statements from now? Or do I just request for it a week before I submit them?) Because I'm planning to gather all my documents now, but I don't know if I request them now if they'll still be valid when I submit them?

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6. When is the best date you would recommend me as my CoS start date (as I can request this with my employer, because of paperwork processing on my side), we are aiming for mid September 2017, do you think that is ideal considering the processing times of the documents (Visa, IELTS results, etc), meaning I have to be in the UK by end of August 2017 (2 weeks prior to start date)

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7. I am planning to apply for ILR right after (my CoS is valid for 5 years, I'm told you're eligible if you are granted a 5 years stay under a visa there), should I be preparing any steps for it as early as now for less hassle in the future?

Kindly tell me if there is any errors or if I've missed something.

Thank you.

[Mokshada]

I have the same questions. Please let me know if you find the answers to these.
Thanks and best luck