PSW expiring August 2010, want to get Tier 2 visa

[lydiax]

Dear all,

I had been planning on switching into Tier 1 General from Tier 1 PSW, but unfortunately as you all know, they have tightened the rules and I am no longer qualified. I was worried to death and was crying for 2 weeks about what to do, because I was sure my employers would say no to sponsoring me. I made myself ask them just in case, you can never be too sure, and surprisingly they are willing to look into it.

Nothing is certain right now because the HR manager is still going through all the details and I will need a pay rise to qualify. I even offered to pay my own pay rise if giving me a pay rise is not an option. Although it seems demeaning to my value as an employee, I see it as the best option because it is invariably cheaper than having to pack up, go home, find a new flat, new job, new boyfriend, etc.

I have been calling visa services to get more clarification on details, but the answers haven't been very clear so far. I know it has probably been asked many times here, but I would just like to know when should I ask my company to seriously start gathering paperwork for applying for the Government sponsorship license if my visa is expiring August 2010?

Is it correct that it takes 4 weeks to obtain a license, 4 weeks for a visa specialist to process the application, 4 weeks for the government to approve and send me my visa? That would mean that it would take 3 months for the whole process to be done. If I apply shortly before my visa expires, let's say mid-July 2010, if it comes back 3 months later and I have been rejected, then I wouldn't be able to appeal. Would you recommend that I apply much earlier or is July a good time?

Thank you for your time and patience, I would really appreciate answers!

Best regards,
Rachel