Tier 2 extension and NHS surcharge

[udayref]

Hello members i need advise on few questions

1. I am on a tier 2 general visa. I got my tier 2 visa in Mar 2013 and expires on 23Apr2016. If i need to apply for extension how early can i apply before my visa expiry. Is it 3 months? If i apply early do i need to request my company to give COS till May2018 so that it will cover my years for ILR?
2. NHS surcharge: my company can give me 2 years visa so that i can reach 5 years. Do i have to pay 3 years NHS surcharge or can i pay only for 2 years as i wont need another year of tier 2 visa as i would be able to apply for ILR.

[udayref]

Hello can someone please help me with my querie

[CR001]

1. You can apply at any time as long as your new CoS is sufficient to cover you till you qualify for ILR.

2. Your immigration health surcharge will depend on the CoS duration. If it if for 3 years, your visa will be for three years and you will have to pay the surcharge for 3 years. Similarly, if CoS is 2 years, visa is 2 years and surcharge is 2 years.

[prince99]

Hello everyone,

I'm planning to extend Tier-2 visa (online).

How can I apply for my dependants,
(a) is it the same application giving their names or
(b) different application for each?