Basic questions about a Tier 2 employer issuing a CoS extension

[mrgeek]

• Does the employer have to issue a new CoS or can reuse old one?

• How long does it take for the employer to be able to generate a CoS extension?

• What is the generally preferred time for the employee to apply before expiry?

[CR001]

Does the employer have to issue a CoS for extension or reuse old one?

New CoS. There is no concept of 'reusing an old one'.

How long does it take for the employer to be able to generate a CoS extension?

This varies on a lot of things.

What is the generally preferred time for the employee to apply before expiry?

Anytime but it must be before your visa expires.

[mrgeek]

CR001, many thanks for your prompt reply.

What is the normal time it takes to generate one?

I know it won't be 1 day, but probably 10-30 days?

Also, is it a good idea to apply too early?

Does that mean the old Visa is invalidated and hence a less total stay duration?

[CR001]

It can take a few days/weeks yes.

Your existing visa will be invalidated once your new visa is granted, so you would need to work out the best time to apply. The total stay duration on tier 2 will always be maximum 6 years regardless of how early or how many times you apply for a tier 2 extension.

[mrgeek]

Great. If the employer got their license in early 2015, what time would their license expire?

Was it 3 years which means they'll have to reapply before issuing CoS.......