Postal or Premium? Grace Period?

[grantb88]

Hi everyone!

I'm applying for my ILR SET(O) Tier 2 General - 5 Year Same Employer. My current leave to remain expires on July 17th. For the life of me I can't find any appointments for the premium service center anywhere in the UK before July 24th. Obviously this is after my expiration date.

1. I'm wondering if the 14 day grace period work in this instance and I can just book the appointment for after my expiration / inside the grace period?
2. If I keep refreshing the page every 24 hours as so many of you do, how likely is it that an appointment time will open up at any location in the UK before my visa expires? Or should I just go ahead and do the postal application?
3. I remember that my current leave to remain was valid during the application process last time, that is still the case right and I'll still be able to work, right?
4. Using the online application, then posting it, any gotchas I should watch out for?

Thanks so much, I've learned so much from all of you guys the past 5 years.

[zimba]

1. I'm wondering if the 14 day grace period work in this instance and I can just book the appointment for after my expiration / inside the grace period?

Yes but a very bad idea. In case of refusal you lose the chance to apply again

2. If I keep refreshing the page every 24 hours as so many of you do, how likely is it that an appointment time will open up at any location in the UK before my visa expires? Or should I just go ahead and do the postal application?

Wait until the last week but be fully prepared to apply via post. You can always upgrade your postal application to premium later
https://www.gov.uk/faster-reply-visa-application

3. I remember that my current leave to remain was valid during the application process last time, that is still the case right and I'll still be able to work, right?

Yes. You will get section 3C cover when apply before visa expiry

4. Using the online application, then posting it, any gotchas I should watch out for?

Not really. It is quite easy. Just ensure to include the submission page with the barcode/QR in your document parcel

[grantb88]

Thank you so much for the swift reply and the great advice. I really appreciate it! I'll put my timeline up as soon as I begin.

Thanks again!