After receiving the above advice from the UKBA, I spoke to someone handling applications today who advised that I could not rely on advice given to my employer when making my application. She said they had received no such advice in dealing with delayed applications. While these cases will likely be...

John, just read your timeline and it seems you made your application in time, (in March), but only recently received a COS through the SMS. I am waiting to receive a COS for a tier 2 extension (with a dependant) which is delayed with UKBA, and I am unable to make an application. My visa has expired ...

It's worth phoning to ask for advice. If you explain your specific situation they should be able to give you some general advice, although they generally say not to make any travel plans for the moment. You might want to ask if you will be able to travel if you have a letter from your employer expla...

I spoke to the UKBA through the enquiries line yesterday (0300 123 4699) and they explained that due to a crack down on Student Visas overstayers, they have been instructed to concentrate on those and they currently have a backlog of 8000 or so applications so there will be longer than usual delays ...