please help me on visa extension querry

[ra_one_2011]

hello Everyone,
here's my problem..
I am due for ILR in April.I am on Tier-1 at the moment.
HSMP-may2007-May 2009
Tier-1 April2009-May2012.
Can I apply for Tier-1 extension instead of ILR? for my own personal problem i would like to apply for Tier-1 extension of 2years.
Thanks,

[Obie]

What was your status since May 2009, and what is it now.

Have you got a current leave to remain

[ra_one_2011]

sorry my typing mistake, now amended, current leave is tier-1 epxpiring on may2012. thanks

[ra_one_2011]

could anyone guide me please? many thanks..

[linkers]

The only time HO issues second extension if someone can’t complete 5 years but even then they would normally give 3 to 6 months visa.

Why can you not apply for ILR ? I would suggest don’t take any risk as the laws can change anytime retrospectively.

[ban.s]

as per the current rules, there is no limit on number of extensions. second extension will be treated the same way as the first extension. so if you wish to apply for extension instead of ILR, that's fine. however the rules may change in the future.

[linkers]

but ban.s how do you know how long the 2nd extension will be given for ?
Would it be for 2 years or 3 years ?

[ban.s]

I would expect 2 years.

As ILR now requires all convictions to be spent, applicants may require one or more extensions to meet that condition even though they have completed 5 years of stay and meet other conditions.

[sunil.suneel]

All TIer 1 extensions are treated exactly the same as the 1st extension hence it would be extended for 2 years ....

[linkers]

Thanks ban.s and sunil.suneel. This information is new to me and I wasn’t aware of it before.