When to apply for Tier2 ICT Longterm extension

[smb2015]

Hello,

My ICT Tier 2 Long term visa is about to expire on 30-Sep 2016 and I want to extend it for another 3 (so it will be total 5 years, 2+3). I want to know -
1. when can I apply for the extension ? Is there a rule that earlier we can apply is for 3 month before ?
2. What date should my Employer put on CoS so that I get 3 year extension? Should it be 1-Oct-2016 to 30-Sep-2019 ? If yes, then in this case when can I apply earliest for visa extension ?

Can someone please help me to get an answer to these questions .

[moonlight55]

You can apply whenever you want to. However, the new visa will be applicable from the date of approval and not from the end of current visa. Hence, folks normally apply close to their expiry date to make full use of their duration and save money in another extension.

Once a CoS is assigned, you need to apply within 3 months. Your employer can mention the start date accordingly.

[smb2015]

Thanks moonlight55.
But once we apply the extension, isn't the visa end date will depend on the End date specified in CoS ?
I though they normally give visa till the job end date specified in CoS (offcourse provided it fits in their rule of max/upto 5 yr )

[smb2015]

Hello, can anoyone please clear the confusion here ?

[moonlight55]

Yes, you are correct. I never mentioned any statement which contradicts this understanding of yours.

The employer cannot specify a start date which is too far down since the CoS will expire by that time. You need to utilize any assigned CoS as part of an application within 3 months once it's assigned.