Tier 2 General Early Extension

[msislam]

Hi,
Please can any of Guru confirm me that can I apply for extension before 4-5 months early of actual visa expire date. I would like to extend early because I need to apply for travel visa for another country that time for that purpose I need at least 6 months valid visa. So, Can I apply 4-5 months early for extension before visa expire date?

Your support will be highly appreciable.
Regard,
Mr. Islam

[iworker]

you can apply whenever u want, no matter how early you apply before your expiry.
However, applying earlier means ur next visa will be for shorter duration as well. i.e., if you get a 3 years cos from employer, rather than applying in December when your current visa ends, and u would have got expiry for dec 2018, if u apply right now, u will get expiry for sept 2018.
the above dates are as an example.

[msislam]

Hi, Thanks. If that is the case then say
I got my first TIER 2 at SEP-2011
Do Change of employment at March-2013
SO, FROM SEP-2011 to SEP 2015 total 4 Years
In this case If I apply for extension now then I will get rest of 2 years i.e. SEP-2015 to SEP17

AM I right here? Please let me know.

Regards,
Mr. Islam

[iworker]

you are right to some extent.
Since you applied for tier 2 before april 2012, you are not limited to max 6 years cap of tier 2. Hence if you apply now, you will get as much duration of leave as stated on end date of your new cos.