Application for Tier 2 (General) renewal with same employer

[TF1]

Hi,

My 3-year Tier 2 (General) visa, and my family's Tier 2 (PBS dependent) visa, would expire in the middle of May 2017. I am looking to continue with the same employer and therefore will be renewing the visa for myself and family. In this regard, I have the following questions:

1. To remain eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in two years time, do I need to apply for the Tier 2 renewal such that there is no visa gap. That is, I should apply in good time such that the visa is renewed before the current one has expired (middle of May 2017)?

2. Would it be better to renew the Tier 2 visa for another 3 years (as opposed to 2) just so that we have some extra months to ensure that ILR requirement period is completely satisfied. Or could we simply renew for 2 years and then apply for ILR as soon as 5 years and 14 days have passed on Tier 2.

3. If I decide to change my job later (and therefore make a new Tier 2 application), would my family also need to reapply even if they have time left on their Tier 2 PBS depenent visa?

Many thanks for your help.

Best wishes,
TF

[ronychy2010]

Hi,
im not expert on this but this is my opinion. Other gurus may also give your replies


1. To remain eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in two years time, do I need to apply for the Tier 2 renewal such that there is no visa gap. That is, I should apply in good time such that the visa is renewed before the current one has expired (middle of May 2017)?

you are safe to apply even 1 day before of the current expiry date. If you get visa after your current leave expires you won't have any problem as long as you applied before your current leave expired.

2. Would it be better to renew the Tier 2 visa for another 3 years (as opposed to 2) just so that we have some extra months to ensure that ILR requirement period is completely satisfied. Or could we simply renew for 2 years and then apply for ILR as soon as 5 years and 14 days have passed on Tier 2.

you can extend for another 3 years (maximum total 6 years). applying for 3 years i think is the safer to have extra time before ILR. And VISA fees is same for 2 years and 3 years. Only health charge will increase per head 200 GBP



3. If I decide to change my job later (and therefore make a new Tier 2 application), would my family also need to reapply even if they have time left on their Tier 2 PBS depenent visa?


yes, if you change employer then they have to obtain new dependent visa


thanks

[CR001]

3. If I decide to change my job later (and therefore make a new Tier 2 application), would my family also need to reapply even if they have time left on their Tier 2 PBS depenent visa?


yes, if you change employer then they have to obtain new dependent visa

No they don't.

[TF1]

Thank you very much for your replies CR001 and ronychy210!

Its good to know that Tier 2 visa renewal can be applied even a day before the expiry without affecting the 5-year period for ILR. Is there any UKBA documentation around this subject as well?

Best wishes!

[CR001]

It is UKVI now and not UKBA (since 2013).

The requirement is that you MUST submit an application, either by post or in person, on or before your current visa expires.