Can you apply for extension early

[pkhsmp]

HI,
I am on a HSMP visa that expires in March 2009. I will apply for extension under Tier 1. I think that home office guide line is to apply one month before your visa expires. My question is can I apply it in November this year around 4 month before visa expires. Will there be any problem or home office will just process my application late.

[Markie]

HO is strict on timelines...stick with your 28days before expiry date application. You might be charged a fee but they will eventually disallow your application as being too early.

HI,
I am on a HSMP visa that expires in March 2009. I will apply for extension under Tier 1. I think that home office guide line is to apply one month before your visa expires. My question is can I apply it in November this year around 4 month before visa expires. Will there be any problem or home office will just process my application late.

[rgora]

i don't think there is any problem in applying well in advance if you have a valid reason; i'd applied in july when my visa expiry was in dec and my hsmpo was changed to tier1 under old rules and my ppts returned thsi month

[MyHSMPApplication]

RGora is absolutely right. I have faced cases were in applicant's visa was expiring in oct 2008 where as they applied as early as march 2008 and they got the extn successfully.

[Kaff]

And what would be the valid reason?
I am not sure I will stay in this job within next 6 month?
I want to get good mortage deals to purchase home?
I am going for holiday for more than my three months in one year time?

How can you justify why you need an early extension?