Tier 2 application after current visa expiration

[Peg_uk]

Hi,

My friend has been on Tier 2 for 3 years. His visa will expire on 30th Sep 2019. He has an interview for another job on 27th Sep 2019. We have a few questions about his visa extension:

1. If he is offered the job, he may not get his COS before 30th Sep so he may need to apply a little after the expiration of the current visa. How long is the accepted grace period (the priod after expiry which home-office will not regard as overstaying) without him entering the cool-off period?

2. If he applies in the grace period, would this affect his 5-year ILR application later (in 2021)?

3. When he came to the UK 3 years ago on Tier 2, he did an IELTS test and meanwhile started a PhD which he has not finishes yet. Does he need a new IELTS now since his PhD has not finished yet?

Your answers are very much appreciated.

Thanks,
Pegah

[zimba]

1. If he is offered the job, he may not get his COS before 30th Sep so he may need to apply a little after the expiration of the current visa. How long is the accepted grace period (the priod after expiry which home-office will not regard as overstaying) without him entering the cool-off period?

He can apply 14 days after his visa expiry however he will be an overstayer from the day his visa expires.

2. If he applies in the grace period, would this affect his 5-year ILR application later (in 2021)?

Not if his visa is granted

3. When he came to the UK 3 years ago on Tier 2, he did an IELTS test and meanwhile started a PhD which he has not finishes yet. Does he need a new IELTS now since his PhD has not finished yet?

He does not need to prove his English again to apply for a new Tier 2 visa