Change of employer & length of new visa?

[tz4333]

Hi Gurus of Tier 2 visa,

Long time reader here. Learnt quite a lot on immigration rules from other people's experience. I'm in need of some advice as I'm facing the decision of changing my job: as I will have to make a new application (because it will be a new employer), I'm hoping to figure out the length I might be granted for.

I've been on Tier 2 visa since July 2014, my current visa has been renewed in March, 2017 and is going to run out in April 2020. The new job is the same role with a higher salary than I had in last year's application.

I'm not sure if there will be a risk if my new application, if accepted, will grant me a new tier 2 valid until April 2020, if I apply in mid February - early March this year. And if unfortunately refused, will my current visa expire immediately?

What are the general considerations that decides the length of a Tier 2 visa if one meet all requirements?

[CR001]

Any new 'change of employer' visa will not be issued for longer than the 6 years you are permitted to remain on Tier 2. If your original tier 2 was issued in July 2014, then any new visa will not be issued for longer than July 2020.

If your new application is refused, it has no effect on your current visa.

Strongly suggest you do not resign until you have a new visa for your new sponsor.